kivisydän

Kivisydän is a public art installation located in Oulu, Finland. It was created by artist Pekka Niskanen and completed in 2007. The work is situated in the Market Square (Kauppatori) of Oulu and is a significant landmark in the city.

The installation consists of a large, polished granite boulder that has been hollowed out. Within this hollowed-out space, a sound installation plays a recording of the artist's own heartbeat. The intention behind Kivisydän, which translates to "stone heart" in Finnish, is to evoke a sense of introspection and connection to nature and the self. The sound of the heartbeat is meant to be both a grounding element and a reminder of life's rhythm.

Kivisydän has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. People often sit within the stone heart, listening to the sound and contemplating its meaning. The artwork interacts with its environment, with the granite's cool surface and the muffled sound creating a unique sensory experience. It is a subtle yet powerful piece that encourages visitors to pause and reflect amidst the bustling city square. The work has been recognized for its artistic merit and its contribution to Oulu's public art scene.