The art exhibition «I'm a Sámi Boy» by Riddu Riđđu is an interdisciplinary project that explores Sámi masculinity through duodji (Sámi crafts), queer art, performance and film.
The exhibition features works by several artists, with duojár and visual artist Kai Mikkel Balto as the main artist. Balto was named Young Artist of the Year at Riddu Riđđu in 2024, and was therefore given the opportunity to curate this year's art exhibition at the festival.
«I'm a Sámi Boy» invites young Sámi artists to reflect on macho culture and gender roles in Sápmi. This is not just an exhibition - it's an invitation to an open conversation about gender, identity and power in Sápmi.
Riddu Sessions 2025:
In 2024, Kai Mikkel Balto was named Young Artist of the Year by Riddu Riđđu Festivála, and has since participated in Riddu Sessions, the festival's own programme for emerging Sámi artists.
This year's Riddu Sessions takes the form of an art exhibition entitled «I am a Sami boy» by Kai Mikkel Balto, which also serves as the official festival exhibition at Riddu Riđđu Festivála 2025.
Through Riddu Sessions, audiences are invited to explore the breadth of Balto's artistic practice in both duodji (Sami crafts) and visual art.
Contributors to I'm a Sami Boy:
Kai Mikkel Balto
Agnes Konst Matheussen
Mihkkal Hætta
Ánde Somby
niilas helander
Ritni Ráste Pieski
Nils-Aslak Valkeapää