Through our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture

The Sámi are Europe’s only recognised indigenous people, whose traditional land spans the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Presented across five of our galleries, this free exhibition brings together 18 incredible artists working today. You'll discover a huge mix of creative styles, from sculpture and photography to video and performance art.

Look out for a brand-new commission by artist Outi Pieski, made from hundreds of traditional shawl tassels. You'll also see a striking piece by Tomas Colbengtson, who uses graffiti on a road sign to reclaim the true name of the Sámi homeland.

For hundreds of years, the traditional Sámi way of life has relied on nature and reindeer herding. Today, those traditions are under threat. While the exhibition tackles serious global issues like the environment and indigenous rights, the artworks are also full of humour, creativity, and hope.

The exhibition will include rarely-seen work by pioneering Sámi artists Iver Jåks, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Britta Marakatt-Labba, and Nils-Aslak Valkeapää, alongside some of the most inventive and prolific artists working today including Tomas Colbengtson, Carola Grahn, Marja Helander, Olof Marsja, Elina Waage Mikalsen, Joar Nango & Katarina Spik Skum, Outi Pieski, Ritni Ráste Pieski, Lada Suomenrinne, Anders Sunna, Carl-Johan Utsi & Jenni Laiti, and Liselotte Wajstedt.

The exhibition is curated by Sámi visual artist Matti Aikio and Somerset House’s Director of Exhibitions Dr Cliff Lauson.

Through Our Eyes - Sámi Art and Culture will tour to Kunstsilo, Kristiansand, Norway in Spring 2027.