Heart Art

Valentine’s Day – a celebration of love. Hearts – a symbol of love. I probably should have written this blog a few weeks ago when the day of cards and flowers and chocolate and jewelry reminded me of some art that I had seen during my travels. Somehow, I seem to run into interesting artwork in different places, not just the conventional art one finds in the museums. For example, I have written a blog entitled “little artists,” which is about children’s artwork that I have encountered.

The “heart art” though that I am referring to, I found in a truly unexpected place, the crypt of Tuomiokirkko, The Lutheran Cathedral, in Helsinki, Finland. I was certainly not expecting to see this heart art, let alone any art in a crypt, which is usually a place underneath a church used as a chapel or burial vault. However, it turns out that the crypt in this Cathedral has been renovated, and is now used for various exhibitions and church services.

Tuomiokirkko

When I wandered down into the crypt, and my eyes spotted the artwork displayed against the brick and stone walls, it warmed my heart. I thought that these pieces were beautiful. I spent quite a bit of time looking at them, and appreciating the many ways that hearts can become art. In celebration of a belated Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share with you some of the photos I took of this heart art.

It is interesting to note that other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day with different traditions than in the United States. For example, “in Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into ‘Friend’s day.’ As the name says, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.”*

As the heart is indeed one of the vital organs of our body, and as it is also a symbol of love, I hope you all follow your hearts, and perhaps it will lead you to travels where you come across wonderful artistic experiences such as this.

Sweet Travels!

*quotation from Wikipedia