The Sámi people have lived in the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia for centuries. The Indigenous population have historically made their livelihoods through fishing, hunting, gathering, agriculture and crafts, but they are truly synonymous with reindeer herding. They’re the only recognised Indigenous people in Europe, and their way of life has been under threat from political, social and environmental forces since the 18th century. For the past 200 years, the population have faced policies that aimed to suppress their language and culture, whilst industrial development disrupted their traditional ways of living. Through Our Eyes, opening at Somerset House in London, is the first group exhibition of Sàmi artists in the UK. The display showcases artwork from the trail-blazing Sàmi creatives working today, highlighting alternative ways of living and exploring ideas around creativity and the natural world.
This show is a major undertaking, spanning five rooms of Somerset House’s Terrace and Courtyard Rooms to immerse viewers in contemporary reworkings of more traditional “duodji” handicraft. Matti Aikio, Sàmi visual artist and co-curator of the exhibition, says: “Through Our Eyes offers a cross section of contemporary Sàmi art and the aesthetics from our traditional craft, duodji. The challenge has been how to present a selection of Indigenous art from a culture which is contemporary and ancient and timeless at the same time, which is flourishing, yet struggling for its existence. Fighting to protect the lands and waters during the neo-colonial era that coincides with global warning and ecocide. We have tried to find a balance between the political and the poetic, and to tell the right story.”
Through our Eyes features three embroidered textile works by Britta Marakatt-Labba. These rarely seen intricately assembled pieces illustrate a broad range of stories from Sàmi life, from everyday reindeer herding to the cosmic afterlife. Meanwhile, a real highlight of the show is a new commission from Outi Pieski, who represented Finland at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Her piece at Somerset House expands on her signature method of arranging hundreds of traditional shawl tassels by incorporating natural elements, creating a joyful and reflective composition of colour and texture. The exploration of fabric continues in two life-size figures from artist Olof Marsja, who combines Sàmi craftsmanship with contemporary materials to create mythical hybrid characters which raise questions of identity and cultural heritage.
Other artists bring a more overtly political slant, such as Tomas Colbengtson’s SÁPMI, which sees the artist graffiti over a road sign reading “Lappland,” with the word “Sápmi.” Lappland is considered outdated and offensive by many Sámi, as it derives from the derogatory exonym “Lapp.” Sápmi refers to the Sámi cultural region, which includes modern day Lappland. Photographs and videos by Marja Helander engage with the landscape, exploring the tension between the industrial extractions of natural resources and the fragility of ecology. Plus, over a dozen maps by pioneering artist Hans Ragnar Mathisen combine design and printmaking to create a visual legacy of Sápmi. Dr Cliff Lauson, Somerset House’s Director of Exhibitions, adds: “Through Our Eyes provides a unique perspective on how to live harmoniously with the world.”
It has never been more important to make space: for diverse voices, perspectives and histories. Now, in our current divisive moment, art must be a space to platform often overlooked communities, imagine better, more collaborative futures, and see the world from new perspectives. Through Our Eyes displays a remarkable wealth of talent, names that well deserve a stage as significant as Somerset House.
Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture is at Somerset House, London from 6 November – 7 February.
Words: Emma Jacob
Image Credits:
1. I’m ready to be swallowed by a Stállu, 2025, by Lada Suomenrinne.
2. Áhcagastá -Tales of the ember by Elina Waage Mikalsen. Courtesy of the artist.
3. Liselotte Wajstedt, EADNI, 2023, 7 min. Courtesy of Filmform.
4. Jassa I, 2023, by Lada Suomenrinne.
