We Who Remain Explores Sámi Perspectives at Kiasma

In recent years, the Arctic has drawn growing international political attention – not only for its strategic importance, but also for its abundant natural resources. As global interest in the region intensifies, the voices of its Indigenous peoples have been sidelined – echoing earlier history, when the Sámi homeland was divided by imposed nation-state borders that continue to shape the region today.

Divided Sápmi

The Sámi are the Indigenous people of northern Europe. Their homeland, Sápmi, long predates the emergence of Nordic nation-states and their national ideologies, spanning present-day Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The Sámi are part of the broader family of Arctic Indigenous peoples, and their traditional culture is grounded in fishing, hunting, reindeer herding, gathering, and Sámi handicrafts (duodji).

We Who Remain presents contemporary art that explores Sámi identity from within the community. Featuring more than twenty artists, the exhibition focuses primarily on works from the 2000s to the 2020s, while also including a small selection of earlier pieces, the oldest dating to the 1970s. Across these decades, the Sámi community has fought for recognition under Nordic law and for greater awareness internationally.

“Contrasts are ever-present in Sámi contemporary art. The works convey the sensitivity and emotional depth of Sámi life, while also revealing the forces that have hardened us and shaped us into survivors. For Sámi visitors, they reflect our community’s self-respect, joys, and sorrows. For Finnish audiences, they offer distinctly Sámi perspectives on Sámi life,” says curator Petra Laiti.

Toward Reconciliation

The exhibition is especially timely following the release of the final report of Finland’s Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission, submitted in December 2025 to the Finnish Government, the Sámi Parliament, and the Skolt Village Assembly. Containing 68 recommendations to improve the status of the Sámi people, the report underscores Finland’s responsibility as a country founded on the homelands of two peoples. Attention now turns to translating these recommendations into meaningful action.  

“This joint exhibition represents a new form of cooperation that could be further expanded between Finns and Sámi,” says Laiti.

As Kiasma Museum Director Kiira Miesmaa notes, contemporary art creates space for multiple narratives and amplifies voices too often left unheard.

“This exhibition is one way of making space for Sámi voices. I am delighted that we are able to present it in collaboration with the Sámi Museum Siida and curator Petra Laiti,” says Miesmaa.

Taina Máret Pieski, Director of the Sámi Museum Siida, emphasises the significance of Helsinki hosting a comprehensive exhibition of Sámi contemporary art.

“Contemporary Sámi art and duodji (traditional Sámi crafts) are experiencing a renaissance and attracting great international interest. I am very pleased that Kiasma accepted our proposal for collaboration, enabling us to present a curated selection of works at Siida, in Sápmi,” says Pieski.

Laiti further highlights the broader context shaping the exhibition: “Although the Arctic is receiving unprecedented global attention, the status of the peoples who live there is not necessarily improving. Critical issues – including land rights and the exploitation of natural resources – risk being overshadowed by NATO-related debate. These challenges affect Arctic Indigenous peoples such as the Sámi and Inuit alike, making it all the more essential that our stories are told and our voices heard.”

Featured artists: Siri Baggerman, Tomas Colbengtson, Marja Helander, Rose-Marie Huuva, Berit Marit Hætta, Johdet x Pirak, Márjá Karlsen, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Britta Marakatt-Labba, Joar Nango, Outi Pieski, Katarina Pirak Sikku, Raisa Porsanger, Jorma Puranen, Máret Ánne Sara, Eveliina Sarapää, Hilde Skancke Pedersen, Katarina Spik Skum, Lena Stenberg, Lada Suomenrinne, Arvid Sveen, Tapio Tapiovaara, Nils-Aslak Valkeapää, Niillas Holmberg, Pekka Aikio

We Who Remain – Sámi Art in Focus 
27.3.-6.9.2026, Kiasma 

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Mannerheiminaukio 2,
FIN-00100
Helsinki, Finland