Poetry Murals
In the Tammela neighbourhood of Tampere, near the Annikki Wooden Quarter (at Pinninkatu 14 & Pinninkatu 16), stands a unique ensemble of murals combining poetry and visual art. The works celebrate Finnish poetry and some of its most significant voices.
Tree of Poetry
Unveiled in June 2020, the Tree of Poetry mural was produced by Annikki Poetry Festival. Dedicated to Mirkka Rekola (1931–2014), the work covers the entire end wall of a seven-storey building and was created by Teemu Mäenpää, one of Finland's leading mural artists.
The mural features Rekola's celebrated poem Minä rakastan sinua, minä sanon sen kaikille ('I love you – let the whole world know it'). Published in 1972, the poem carries a powerful message tied to its time: same-sex relationships were a criminal offence in Finland until 1971.
Tree of Poetry has since become one of Tampere's most recognised works of public art. In January 2021, Teemu Mäenpää and Annikki Poetry Festival producer Simo Ollila — who originated the mural project — were awarded the cultural prize of the Kalle Kaihari Cultural Foundation.
Wild Apple Tree
In June 2023, a second mural, Wild Apple Tree, was completed on the adjacent building. Painted by Tampere-based visual artist Verna Tervaharju, Wild Apple Tree was a joint project between Annikki Poetry Festival and Pirkkalaiskirjailijat ry, both marking significant anniversaries: the festival celebrated its 20th year and Pirkkalaiskirjailijat its 80th.
The work is dedicated to poet Kirsi Kunnas (1924–2021) and features a passage from her poem Että iloni olisi puu ('That my joy would be a tree'). The mural highlights the lesser-known side of Kunnas's writing — her work for adults — and complements Tree of Poetry both visually and thematically.
Together, the two murals form an exceptional pairing in Finland, where visual art and poetry meet in urban space. "This is a unique ensemble bringing together poetry and visual art," says Annikki Poetry Festival producer Simo Ollila. "It is tremendously moving that close friends Kunnas and Rekola now have works dedicated to them standing so near each other — allowing us to celebrate their life's work side by side."