Jaakko Metsäpelto: The Coal Organ

The Coal Organ is a sound sculpture by Kuopio-based sound artist Jaakko Metsäpelto, built around the burning of coal.

The work is a three-channel soundscape composed from recordings made during the final operating days of the Helsinki Salmisaari coal power plant, which closed last year. Different frequencies and intense textures alternate throughout. The visual component consists of scanning electron microscope images of fine particles from coal combustion, which Metsäpelto has edited into a series of three abstract video works.

The Coal Organ is on display in front of Oodi on Helle Kannila Square, September 1-2, 2026, 12:00-18:00.