Shifting Cranes
Bas Kemper

• Location: Forum Marinum, Linnankatu 72
• Time: 4–7 December 2025, 4–9 p.m., and 7 December 2025, 8–10 a.m.

Monumental light stretching to the horizon, reflected in the waters of the Aura River– Bas Kemper’s light installation Shifting Cranes is built upon the harbour cranes of Turku’s eastern Telakkaranta, illuminating two of them as bright landmarks in the city’s cultural and historical landscape. The work is new and unique, created exclusively for this location.

The surface of Aura River acts as a reflective mirror, and the cultural and historical environment of Telakkaranta serves as the stage for the installation. In the work, the cranes are illuminated from ground level, creating a silhouette in the landscape. The image- reflected on the Aura River and the silhouette formed in the landscape- emphasise the immobility and monumentality of the cranes. The cranes support light elements called QB-6, which emit beams of light that shine far across the city in the same manner as a lighthouse. Changing weather conditions are an integral part of the work, constantly adding new dimensions to the dark December evenings.

The work draws you in with its grandeur and the penetrating light. When viewed from in front of Forum Marinum, it reveals its full character. When standing in front of the work, you can ponder how the work and the imagination it awakens create a connection between people and the cultural-historical landscape of the shipyard shore in the present moment.

Bas Kemper is an internationally successful Dutch artist and designer. He is particularly known for his large and spectacular international projects. His artistic work is guided by the goal of creating impressive, immersive works that are in harmony with their surroundings. In his work, he explores how light can reveal hidden qualities and create meaningful connections between people and places.