Luleå Biennial Explores Arctic Darkness and Militarization Across Norrbotten Venues
The Luleå Biennial, named Tidal Ground and focused on the theme of darkness, took place from 17 November 2018 to 17 February 2019 in Norrbotten, Sweden. Curated by Emily Fahlén, Asrin Haidari, and Thomas Hämén, the event showcased 37 artists in various venues, including a Cold War bunker and towns like Jokkmokk, Boden, and Kiruna. At Luleå Konsthall, viewers could see Francis Alÿs's film Paradox of Praxis 5 (2013) alongside Britta Marakatt-Labba's embroidered flour sack from WWII, which represented Sami narratives. Hanni Kamaly's sculptures tackled civil rights themes, while Raqs Media Collective's The Blood of Stars (2017) was displayed in a retired bunker, emphasizing Norrbotten's militarization and rethinking the Arctic landscape.
Key facts
- Luleå Biennial ran from 17 November 2018 to 17 February 2019
- Titled Tidal Ground with a theme of darkness
- Curated by Emily Fahlén, Asrin Haidari, and Thomas Hämén
- Featured 37 artists across multiple venues in Norrbotten, Sweden
- Included unusual sites like a Cold War bunker and harbor crane
- Expanded to towns Jokkmokk, Boden, and Kiruna in the Arctic Circle
- Highlighted Sami indigenous art and history of militarization
- Utilized decommissioned bunker Mjölkuddsberget for installations
Entities
Artists
- Francis Alÿs
- Britta Marakatt-Labba
- Hanni Kamaly
- Raqs Media Collective
- Monira Al Qadiri
- Hiwa K
- Lap-See Lam
- Emily Fahlén
- Asrin Haidari
- Thomas Hämén
Institutions
- Luleå Biennial
- Kilen Art Group
- Luleå Konsthall
- Galleri Syster
- Ájtte Museum
- ArtReview
Locations
- Luleå
- Norrbotten
- Sweden
- Stockholm
- Vidsel Test Range
- Jokkmokk
- Boden
- Kiruna
- Arctic Circle
- Ciudad Juárez
- Baltimore
- Norway
- Finland
- Russia
- Sápmi
- Kurdistan
- Europe