Somerset House
Through our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture 6 nov 2026–7 feb 2027
Through Our Eyes is the very first group exhibition in the UK to celebrate the vibrant art and culture of the Sámi people.
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.
Britta Marakatt-Labba, Instängslad / Enclosed, embroidery and applique on linen, 35 x 148 cm, 2024. The TATE Collection. Photo: Hans Olo Utsti