Art exhibition Vääim ǩiõj – Traces of innermost
“As people, we have wandered in our areas for several thousand years, but the traces we leave in nature and the surroundings are few and indistinct. We carry our ancestors’ traces in our souls, you will see them if you look carefully…”
The aim is to convey the traditional Skolt Saami knowledge about materials and techniques in new ways in workshops and exhibition.
In the past, equipment was created for a purpose, an area of use, whereas today we are more concerned with the shape, colors, expression and message of things. Is it possible to create something that speaks to or gives meaning to modern man while at the same time conveying the past?
Artistic contributors are Venke Tørmænen, Kjellaug Isaksen and Irene Rasmussen, as well as professional supervisor Matleena Fofonoff, who is a master of Skolt Saami craftsmanship. The collaboration is based on a joint artistic practice within ǩiõtt-tuâjj/duodji and visual arts.
The group have worked together and separately with the various materials (themes): bark, roots and fish. Traditional Skolt Saami knowledge forms the basis for experimentation and design. The line from the historical, via processes in the workshops with the traditional materials and techniques where new expressions and visual art are created, will be visible in the exhibition.
Exhibition is on display throughout August.
What we have in common is that we all work with our hands and relate to tradition and context through shaping
The Skolt Sámi have built their strength and pride in the wisdom that has been passed down from one generation to the next. The traditional knowledge forms new and living stories as it lives on.
Kjellaug Isaksen
