The simple elegance of Nordic design seems linked to its dramatic landscape. It is easy to see how a region of stark climates, which alternate between sunless winters and blinding summer nights, sharp polar cliffs and endless meadows, would influence the designs of say, a sleek Ikea or Eero Saarinen chair, or bold Marimekko pattern. In addition to a deep love of nature, other distinctly Nordic traits that have seeped into its visual culture are an entrenched commitment to social issues, fierce individualism, and yes, even the famous “melancholy” of Scandinavia, which has influenced artists over the years ranging from Edward Munch to Lars Von Trier. Voyage to the Virtual, a new exhibit opening in January at Scandinavia House, the Nordic Center in America, explores these themes as well as the ways local artists have approached digital mediums from a distinctly Scandinavian perspective. While selfies, products of ironic digital collectives, and other ultra-on-trend creations have been the most recognizable faces of the new media genre, these artists have chosen to focus their practice on social issues such as global warming, the isolation of modern man, and the ways humanity deals with inner space, subjectivity, and intimacy.
“Nordic visual art is interesting in particular because we often [seek] slowness and contemplation,” says curator Tanya Toft, “which contrasts a contemporary urban condition of accelerated speed, fast-paced attention and perceptual modes of superfluous scanning. These artworks provide spaces of deep reflection.”
“Nordic art for me is working in relation to nature, and to discussions on climate change,” says Danish artist Jette Gejl Kristensen, whose featured interactive work Hyperkinetic Kayak allows gallery visitors to paddle through a digital fjord.“ I believe the biggest problem is the discrepancy in talking about it in a global context, and the real troubles and changes that are happening locally,” continues Kristensen.”We have a long tradition, since the golden age of Danish painting (1750-1890), for artists to work with nature and it [global warming] has had a big impact on how we cultivate and define ‘unspoiled’ nature.”
“The way we are testing our own limits, we are also testing the limits of the planet,” says Finnish artist Petra Lindholm, who was inspired to create her short film Empty Vessels by both a trip to rural Nepal and the current environmental and social conditions facing Scandinavia. Lindholm hints that the introspective quality of many Nordic artists’ work can be traced to the region’s much-lauded support of the arts. “There are a lot of media artists in Scandinavia, partly because we have a well built grant support [system]…” many of which allow for long periods of artistic experimentation. Several of these grants extend to less popular mediums like avant gard sound—one of the many reasons why countries like Finland have such a rich history of innovative, challenging pop-music. Whether you admire these Nordic artists’ take on digital art or it, err, it leaves you cold, you’ll no doubt be fascinated by the way they’ve bent a supposedly limited medium to fit the many facets of the human experience.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.