February is a special month for us. Every year we mark Sami Day on February 6th with an exhibition that has roots in Sami art and culture. This year we are especially proud to present an exhibition of works by Synnøve Persen – not only one of the most significant figures in Sami art and culture, but also our aunt.
For us, this is more than an art exhibition. It is a celebration of our own history, our family, and the fight that Synnøve and so many before us have fought for – for art, for culture, and for our right to be ourselves.
Synnøve Persen
For over 40 years, Synnøve has been an important voice in Sami art and literature . She has worked tirelessly to strengthen Sami identity in contemporary art , both as a visual artist and a writer . Her work has received great recognition, and she has been nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize for the Sami language area twice. Her artwork is part of the National Museum's collection , and in 2018 she was awarded the Order of St. Olav for her significant artistic work.
But for us, she is first and foremost Aunt Synnøve – an inspiration, a storyteller, and a reminder of where we come from.
"Time and Landscape" – An exclusive exhibition
During the exhibition "Time and Landscape" we are showing a series of art prints by Synnøve Persen. These works have never before been available for sale, and the originals are still owned by the artist himself. The art prints are produced in a very limited edition of 1/1 , making each copy unique.
This is not only an opportunity to experience Synnøve's art, but also an occasion to reflect on time, landscape and the Sami identity.
Dáidda – The importance of art in our family
In the 1970s, when Synnøve and other Sami artists were fighting for visibility, there was no separate Sami word for art. The closest term was "dáidu" , which means knowledge . Therefore, "Dáidda" was used to describe art.
When it came to naming our gallery, we knew we wanted to find a name that reflected our family and our roots . We wanted to honor those who fought before us, those who had to endure losing their language, their rights, and their place in society . We ourselves are part of this history – we don’t speak Sami, precisely because of this .
So we called our aunt, Synnøve, and asked: "What is art called in Sami?"
She replied: "It's called dáidda."
Then we knew that had to be our name .
The origin of the Sami flag
Did you know that Synnøve Persen was the first to create a draft of the Sami flag?
In 1977 , while studying at the Oslo Academy of Fine Arts, she created a silkscreen print titled "Draft for the Sami Flag" . The design was inspired by the colors of the traditional Sami cardigan from Porsanger – where our family comes from. Red, yellow and blue dominated the design, and the flag quickly became a symbol in the demonstrations against the Alta-Kautokeino development in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Although the official Sami flag was only adopted in 1986 , and featured a green stripe and a divided circle, Synnøve's design was an important precursor and inspiration for the final flag. Her original draft is now part of the National Museum's collection .
For us, this is not just history – it is a reminder of where we come from, who we are, and what we still fight for to this day . It is not only about the past , but also about the present and future .
We are still here – Mii leat ain dás
We see this clearly in the NRK documentary "We are still here – Mii leat ain dás" , which shows how the Sami struggle for language, identity and rights is still ongoing.
📺 Watch the documentary here:
➡️ We are still here - Mii leat ain dás (NRK)
"Through time and landscape / Áiggiid luonddu čađa"
About the exhibition
In this year's exhibition "Through Time and Landscape", we highlight both established and new artistic voices who explore time, nature and the Sami identity in different ways. Each artist contributes their unique perspective, and together they create a holistic picture of a culture that is both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly evolving .
Through painting, photography and illustration, a meeting occurs between the traditional and the modern , the near and the far, the tangible and the abstract. The exhibition invites reflection on how time and landscape shape us – as people, artists and part of a larger history.
🔹 Synnøve Persen
A monument in Sami art and literature . As a visual artist and writer, she has been a central figure in the development of Sami art life for 40 years . Persen has also received the Order of St. Olav for her artistic work, and her works have found a place in the National Museum's collection .
🔹 John Savio (1902–1938)
A pioneer in Sami woodcut , known for his depictions of Sami life and landscape. In collaboration with the National Museum, we present an exclusive selection of Savio's art, reproduced as fine art prints.
🔹 Per Heimly
Norwegian Sami art and fashion photographer with a strong visual expression. Heimly exhibits a selection of art photographs from the north , where he captures the raw and aesthetic in his distinctive style.
🔹 Cato Lein
Portrait and landscape photographer from Finnmark, living in Sweden. His photographs provide an atmospheric insight into the landscape and people of the north , where nature and identity merge.
🔹 Birgitte Laksforsmo
An exciting new voice in Sami art, she combines modern techniques with traditional Sami motifs and presents five brand new works in the exhibition.
🔹 Arild Heitmann
Landscape photographer with a unique ability to capture the magnificent beauty of Arctic nature . His photographs take us on a visual journey through the dramatic landscapes of the north.
We hope you will stop by "Through Time and Landscape" to experience this unique collection of artworks.
📆 The exhibition runs until 01.03.2025
📍 DÁIDDA Gallery, Thorvald Meyers gate 19, Oslo