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Helsinki artist Nanna Susi appeals for return of stolen olive tree from outside her studio

Friday 12th 2024 on 09:45 in  
Finland

In the Kallio district of Helsinki, an olive tree was stolen from outside the studio of artist Nanna Susi. Susi had positioned two olive trees outside her studio to make it appear more inviting and comfortable. She believes in the importance of enriching the urban landscape.

Susi, who has lived and worked in Kallio for twenty years, considers the district a beloved and vital community. “I’ve always trusted that nothing would go missing,” she said. Susi also owns a home in Rome.

The theft of the olive tree took place in the middle of the night. The owner of the restaurant across the street captured the incident on video. “He didn’t chase after them because he couldn’t leave his restaurant. I understand that,” Susi said. “What surprises me is that the pot weighs almost 30 kilograms. The thief must have been quite strong.”

Susi reported the theft to the police and posted about the incident in several Facebook groups, spreading the word in local pubs as well.

Susi says the olive tree was like a cherished family member to her. “All the love and effort I put into growing it,” she remarked. She expressed her wish for the thieves to return the olive tree. “I would appreciate it if they said they made a silly mistake. We’ve all made silly mistakes. I would thank them and say they’d become heroes for returning it!”

Susi, 56, has an upcoming exhibition in the Finnish Institute in Paris during the Olympics. She has been working in her studio every day in preparation. Susi graduated with a Master of Arts in 1997 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki. She has also studied painting at the Royal Danish Academy of Art. In 2000, she was named Finland’s Young Artist of the Year, and her works have been showcased in exhibitions around the world.