The exhibition opens on 2nd October Sámi traces by Christin Løkke. In recent years, Løkke has researched her sea Sámi background. Through sculptures and images, she conveys a powerful story about a culture that has lost everything.
WhatExhibition opening Sámi traces by Christin Løkke
When2nd October, 2.00 PM
WhereNorthern Peoples Centre / Senter for nordlige folk, The Gallery
Exhibition period2 October – 20 November 2021
The exhibition is opened by Sámi Parliament Councillor Henrik Olsen
Cultural element by Eline Petrine Johansen
Artist Christin Løkke is present herself
Christin Løkke lives in Møre, but it is the memories from growing up in the north that have shaped her art in recent years. Løkke's sea Sámi grandparents were based in Oksfjordhamn in Nordreisa, and she describes the place as a focal point in her life. It wasn't until adulthood that Løkke discovered they spoke Sámi and that places around the house had Sámi names. Sámi names and words were used without them knowing they were Sámi.
– Grandmother farmed the land and Grandfather was a fisherman. They experienced losing everything during the Norwegianisation process and the evacuation during the war. Not just possessions, but also their cultural background and traditions, says Løkke.
This became the starting point for Løkke's search and research into his own cultural background.
A harsh policy of Norwegianisation and the war almost completely eradicated all traces of the sea Sámi culture. History tells of shame, despair over losing loved ones at sea, evacuation during the war, possessions being buried in the sand, and a hard life with meagre resources. But at the same time, there was a life wisdom, care, and generosity towards each other. They had time, and family was important.
– Working with sculptures and paintings, I want to convey the harsh lives they lived, the history of the sea Sami and the people of the North, and offer insight into lived experiences. The sculptures have a raw expression and are intended to evoke wonder and reflection, while simultaneously telling a powerful story. The paintings depict everyday life and lived experiences, often featuring multiple generations together, says Løkke.
About Christin Løkke
Løkke grew up in Nordreisa, Tromsø, and Vesterålen, but is now living in Møre. Her paintings and sculptures show a strong connection to Northern Norwegian culture and history. The process of Norwegianisation, war memories, and sea Sámi culture are central to her work.
Løkke is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Design, Art and Crafts at the University of South-Eastern Norway. Additionally, she has a teaching qualification from the College of Sør-Trøndelag, NTNU, and studied art subjects at Nord University.
Løkke has exhibited at several art associations, and in 2020 at the National Exhibition of Art, Høstutstillingen «Rodd fiske».
About Rod Fishing:
After their fishing trip in Finnmark, the fishing vessel with fishermen Odd Andersen and Edvin Johansen from Oksfjordhamn was docked in Skjervøy harbour. During the night, the 23-foot fishing vessel was rammed and completely smashed by the boat M/S Salangen. They woke up in the sea and struggled to make it to shore. The boat sank with the entire catch worth £3000. As they had been shipwrecked within their own municipality, even though it was far from home, the insurance did not cover new clothes and food. They had to go to the village and ask for help.