Ruumikunsti

Ruumikunsti is a Finnish term that describes artistic practices in which the human body serves as the primary medium or site of expression. The field includes subforms such as body painting, tattooing, piercing, scarification, prosthetics and adornment, as well as performance and conceptual works where the body is integral to the artwork rather than merely a vehicle for symbols. Practitioners may view the body as canvas, sculpture, instrument, or interactive stage, exploring themes like identity, sexuality, vulnerability, memory, and the politics of the body.

In Finland, ruumikunsti is discussed within contemporary art and design contexts, often at the intersection of visual art, performance, and fashion. It has roots in global body art practices, but local scenes emphasize ethics, consent, and safety, especially in collaborative performances and public interventions.

Techniques range from cosmetic body painting and temporary markings to permanent modification such as tattooing and piercing, as well as the use of prosthetics, implants, and wearable art. The reception of ruumikunsti varies; some works are presented in galleries and museums, others in live performance spaces or community settings, sometimes provoking debate about boundaries, censorship, and the documentation of intimate acts.

See also: body art, tattooing, body modification, performance art, gallery and museum exhibitions.