Aleksi Poutanen

Fellow Creatures

''Finnish people have always had a special relationship with nature. In the 1960s, Finland experienced the fastest migration in human history when an exceptionally large number of people moved from rural areas to cities. As a result, urban life in Finland developed very rapidly in only ten years. People were used to sharing their everyday lives with domesticated animals at home and wild animals in nearby forests. The Finns, therefore, have preserved a unique relationship with their animal friends.

Humans need relationships, love and connection, in daily life and through dark times. ‘Fellow Creatures’ is a glimpse of the unique coexistence of men and animals in Finland. These images can inspire us to connect with our surroundings and create bonds that last over time.”

Aleksi Poutanen (Mikkeli, Finland, 1985) is a commercial and documentary photographer working in Helsinki, Finland. As a freelancer for the past ten years, he has been involved in assignments commissioned by magazines and advertising agencies. He is fascinated by uncanny and surprising subjects and has a playful approach to his photography.

Aleksi has a Bachelor of Graphic Design from the Kuopio Academy of Design (Finland). During his studies, he started working part-time as a photographer in a local newspaper.