Sámi Art Exhibition 'no beginning, no end' Opens at Estonian National Museum
The Estonian National Museum is presenting an exhibition titled 'no beginning, no end: Decolonial Gestures in Sámi Worldbuilding,' which focuses on Sámi Indigenous self-determination and justice, curated by Ann Mirjam Vaikla. Featured artists include Britta Marakatt-Labba, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Lada Suomenrinne, and Suohpanterror. This exhibition is part of the Expedition project in collaboration with the Art Museum of Estonia and the Estonian Academy of Arts, running concurrently with 'Expedition: Finno-Ugrians and the Power of Images' from 2 October 2026 to 21 February 2027, curated by Linda Kaljundi. A catalogue and reader will accompany both exhibitions, with Jenni Laiti's essay on worldbuilding during crises being a focal point. Sustainable design is emphasized, involving various artists and a team of curatorial and design consultants.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'no beginning, no end: Decolonial Gestures in Sámi Worldbuilding' is on view at the Estonian National Museum.
- Curated by Ann Mirjam Vaikla, with curatorial consultant Jenni Laiti.
- Part of Expedition, a multi-year research project by the Art Museum of Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Arts, and the Estonian National Museum.
- Runs in dialogue with 'Expedition: Finno-Ugrians and the Power of Images' (2 October 2026 – 21 February 2027), curated by Linda Kaljundi.
- Accompanied by a catalogue edited by Linda Kaljundi and Ann Mirjam Vaikla, and a reader 'Collected Relationships: The Sámi-Finno-Ugric-Estonian Nexus'.
- Title inspired by Sámi artist Nils-Aslak Valkeapää.
- Features artists: Carola Grahn, Snowchange (Pauliina Feodoroff & Kaisu Mustonen), Marja Helander, Kalli Kalde, Ketlin Kuusing, Jenni Laiti & Invisible Flock, Britta Marakatt-Labba, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Alo Paistik, Outi Pieski, Suohpanterror, Lada Suomenrinne.
- Education and public programme focuses on power, created with artist Ketlin Kuusing.
- Exhibition design follows sustainable principles, reusing materials.
- Image: Lada Suomenrinne, Iđitguovssu (At First Light), 2020.
Entities
Artists
- Ann Mirjam Vaikla
- Jenni Laiti
- Linda Kaljundi
- Nils-Aslak Valkeapää
- Carola Grahn
- Pauliina Feodoroff
- Kaisu Mustonen
- Marja Helander
- Kalli Kalde
- Ketlin Kuusing
- Britta Marakatt-Labba
- Hans Ragnar Mathisen
- Alo Paistik
- Outi Pieski
- Suohpanterror
- Lada Suomenrinne
- Aksel Haagensen
- Martina Gofman
- Johanna Ruukholm
- Anastassia Langinen
- Villu Plink
- Mati Schönberg
- Frederik Klanberg
- Maari Hinsberg
Institutions
- Estonian National Museum
- Art Museum of Estonia
- Estonian Academy of Arts
- NEWEAST
Locations
- Estonia
- Tallinn
- Setomaa