Kaarina Kaikkonen’s new public artwork ‘Onnenlintu’ was unveiled in Tornio on 29 August 2026 during the National Local Heritage Days. The work, dated 2026, is the newest addition to Veistospolku, the city’s sculpture route.
Installed on a wall in front of the Rajakartano building, ‘Onnenlintu’ takes the form of a white bird. Kaikkonen describes the bird as a metaphor for free creative thought, capable of flying over the mental and physical boundaries and restrictions made by people.
The artist also connects the white bird with peace, wellbeing and hope. Those associations give the work’s avian image a direct set of meanings: creative freedom is described not only as movement beyond human-made limits, but alongside calm and hope.
The unveiling came during Tornio’s participation in the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, which includes 39 northern municipalities. ‘Onnenlintu’ now stands as the latest named work on Veistospolku, with Kaikkonen’s bird carrying her stated associations of peace, wellbeing and hope.
