Oskari Kaarne (Samu Oskari Kotilainen, born in 1997) is a Finnish-Karelian multidisciplinary artist specializing in ritualistic art. Actively engaged in various creative endeavours, Kaarne collaborates with diverse ensembles and projects, working as a curator, director, choreographer, dramaturg, performer and lighting/video designer.

Kaarne’s career as a freenlance artist began during his studies at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, where he pursued a Bachelor in Culture and Arts – specializing in Finnish and Karelian folk dance and art production. Later on he completed Master’s of Art (Theater & Drama) at the Uniarts Helsinki / Theatre Academy with a specialization in Lighting Design, Ritualistic Theatre and Choreography.

Deeply rooted in Eastern Finland and the Karelia, Kaarne grew up immersed in Karelian folklore, music, and dance, shaping the rhythmic and mythological foundation of his artistic vision. Drawing inspiration from his heritage, Kaarne combines nature-based healing practises such as traditional sauna healing with his multidisciplinary methods of theatre and performance arts, to create carefully crafted multisensory environments that guide audiences on ritualistic journeys.

Kaarnes work can be seen as a form of heritage activism and decolonizing exploration of the western mind / Finding different ways and methods to re:root to the local land based traditions and to re:connect to the nature around & within us.