Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture - Relaxed Session

Relaxed sessions are to enable visitors with additional needs such as sensory processing differences, SEND or other neurodivergence to experience an exhibition in a comfortable and calm environment. Lighting levels are raised, sound/AV lowered and capacity is lowered in the gallery by 50% or more.

To ensure that Through Our Eyes is as welcoming and calm as possible, we:

• Limit the number of visitors in the session
• Turn off or lower the volume of audio-visual elements in the space
• Provide a visual story to help you plan your visit
• Provide Access Packs – available at the Through Our Eyes entrance. These contain noise cancelling headphones, magnifying glass sheet for reading any printed text, a large print guide and a fidget toy
• Run regular disability awareness sessions with our staff
• Provide a safe/calm space to help assist visitors who may be overwhelmed due to the new environment

For any questions about our Relaxed Sessions, please contact visitor@somersethouse.org.uk. Lines are open between 9am-6pm between Monday and Friday, and from 10am-6pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Please be aware that we do not offer refunds or exchanges as per our terms and conditions of sale.

Step into a completely different world this winter. Through Our Eyes is the very first group exhibition in the UK to celebrate the vibrant art and culture of the Sámi people.

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 19 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 & Lotta Hagelin, 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.