Kumu Art Museum's Fall 2026 Programme Pairs Sámi Activist Art with Finno-Ugric Ethnography
This autumn, Kumu Art Museum will unveil two simultaneous exhibitions: one focused on Sámi activist art and the other exploring the role of Finno-Ugric ethnography in shaping the Estonian identity. Both projects, developed over three years of discussions, delve into themes of power, imagery, and knowledge creation. The 1970s marked a pivotal time when Sámi art became intertwined with political activism, as many artists joined the Indigenous rights movement. In stark contrast, the ability of the small Finno-Ugric nations in Russia to advocate for their rights has been significantly limited, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Featured artists include Carola Grahn, Snowchange (Pauliina Feodoroff and Kaisu Mustonen), Marja Helander, and others.
Key facts
- Kumu Art Museum presents two parallel exhibitions in its fall 2026 programme.
- The exhibitions focus on Sámi activist art and Finno-Ugric ethnography's role in Estonian nation-building.
- Both exhibitions were developed through three years of dialogue.
- They share a concern with connections between power, images, and knowledge production.
- Sámi art began to be politicized in the 1970s through artists joining the Indigenous rights struggle.
- Finno-Ugric nations in Russia have faced radically more constrained opportunities to stand up for their rights.
- Restrictions intensified especially after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Participating artists include Carola Grahn, Marja Helander, Kalli Kalde, Ketlin Kuusing, Britta Marakatt-Labba, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Alo Paistik, Outi Pieski, and Suohpanterror.
Entities
Artists
- Carola Grahn
- Pauliina Feodoroff
- Kaisu Mustonen
- Marja Helander
- Kalli Kalde
- Ketlin Kuusing
- Jenni Laiti
- Britta Marakatt-Labba
- Hans Ragnar Mathisen
- Alo Paistik
- Outi Pieski
Institutions
- Kumu Art Museum
- Snowchange
- Invisible Flock
- Suohpanterror
Locations
- Estonia
- Russia
- Ukraine