Mona Pahle Bjerke started studying art history as early as 2003 and has worked as an art critic at NRK for many years.
Now she has listed ten art exhibitions that you must see in 2024 and on the list there are three Sami artists in Anders Sunna, Iver Jåks and Britta Marakatt-Labba.
Sunna is first out and between January 13 and February 11 you can see Sunna’s exhibition “We scream in the forest” in Lilleström.
“It is exciting to see how Sunna creates her paintings in a tension between something artistic and something activist”, writes Bjerke.
“Loved in all camps”
Then, in connection with Bodö being the European Capital of Culture, you can take part in the work of the Norwegian-Sámi cartoonist Iver Jåk between February 10 and March 30.
“He developed a universal Sami modernism that was loved in all camps. He was constantly looking for new lessons and new growth as a spiritual man and as an artist,” writes Bjerke and continues:
“It is exciting to see his expression today, how he was a bridge builder who balanced his style between the Sami heritage and the Western, modernist art regime.”
“Very exciting”
Bjerke also highlights Britta Marakatt-Labba’s exhibition “Sylkvasse stitch”.
The Swedish-Sámi textile artist exhibits her embroidery between March 15 and August 25 at the National Museum in Oslo.
“She is considered one of Sápmi’s foremost, who depicts Sami culture and history through embroidery. I think it will be very exciting to experience the full breadth of her artistry on a national stage,” writes Bjerke.