MMus, MTheol Leena Julin

MMus, MTheol Leena Julin is doing artistic research at the DocMus Doctoral School at Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki. The starting point of her research is the idea of religion mirroring the human mind. Julin is studying humanity behind religious language, more closely Christian narratives, and observing the relation between Christian tradition and lived life. The aim is to evoke discussion and encourage people to both think why we do as we have always done, as well as see the vibrant contents we sometimes forget behind the formalities.

Julin is interested in widening the definition of church music. Can it also be non-devotional? In other words, is there church music only in the church or can there be church music also about the church?

Previously Julin has combined research, art and activism in a project that raised the topic of discrimination and hate speech towards sexual and gender minorities within religious circles. Named Hate speech in the name of God, the project consisted of six music videos which were released at Helsinki Pride 2020 and can be found on YouTube.

Julin’s current research is funded by The Finnish Cultural Foundation and DocMus Doctoral School. Hate speech in the name of God was supported among others by The Committee for Public Information (TJNK), Rainbow Association Malkus, and Suoni ry.