21/06/2026
New Journey begins : follow
On Instagram.
Welcome to “Freedom Canvas.”
My name is Safa Solati. I am an artist, and throughout my life I have explored many forms of artistic expression. For the past 10 years, I have practiced Sufi whirling dance, and since 2022 I have facilitated workshops and classes in Finland, Italy, and Tallinn, one of the few active practitioners introducing whirling in Finland through a contemporary approach, combining traditional whirling with movement, artistic expression, and my background as a music therapist.
Through this work, I have created a unique practice for people seeking alternative ways to process difficult life experiences, reconnect with themselves, and find pathways toward healing.
On December 11th, 2024, my own relationship with whirling and public space changed forever.
At the heart of Helsinki’s main railway station, I spontaneously decided to dance briefly for a video before leaving with my friend. I was approached by a security guard from Palmia, and the situation escalated, eventually leading to me being physically handled.
Recently, the District Court reached a decision in my assault case and found the security guard not guilty, despite the video evidence I presented.
I will not be silenced. I will continue to pursue this matter and advocate for my right to express myself through art and movement in public spaces.
Through this page, I will document the creation of two paintings: “Resistance” and “Look How Free I Am”, two 80x100 cm canvases inspired by this life-changing experience. This moment transformed my relationship with whirling and made me reconsider the direction of my artistic practice.
Through art, I want to transform this experience into something visible, collective, and meaningful.
My goal is to create a campaign where these two paintings become part of a shared public conversation, allowing people to collectively own them and creating opportunities for exhibitions across Helsinki. Through this, I hope to open discussions about freedom of expression, artistic rights, and the growing privatization of public spaces in Finland.
Follow this page and stay tuned to learn more about the campaign.
Freedom is a movement.
