The vast expanse of Tate Modern's Turbine Hall has been transformed into an evocative Arctic landscape, as Sámi artist and duojár (craftsperson) Máret Ánne Sara unveils her breathtaking installation Girdiņ Ŋʒʒe (To Row in a Fragile Craft).
A Powerful Indigenous Voice
Hailing from Norway's Sápmi region, Sara has created what many are calling the most politically charged Turbine Hall commission in years. The installation features hundreds of reindeer skulls suspended in delicate formations, accompanied by immersive soundscapes recorded in the Arctic wilderness.
This isn't just an art installation—it's a profound cultural statement that brings the Sámi worldview directly into the heart of London's art establishment.
More Than Meets the Eye
Behind the visual poetry lies a sharp critique of colonial policies that continue to threaten Sámi reindeer herding traditions. The reindeer skulls, collected from Sara's own family herd, represent the devastating impact of government-imposed slaughter quotas on indigenous livelihoods.
"Each skull tells a story of resistance and resilience," explains the artist, whose brother's legal battle against Norwegian authorities inspired her earlier work.
What Visitors Will Experience
- An immersive soundscape featuring reindeer bells, wind, and traditional Sámi vocals
- Dramatic lighting that casts intricate shadows across the Turbine Hall
- Delicate net-like structures supporting the suspended skulls
- A contemplative space that challenges conventional Western art perspectives
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Significance
Art critics have hailed the installation as a groundbreaking moment for indigenous representation in major European institutions. The work not only showcases Sámi artistic traditions but actively challenges the colonial structures that have historically marginalized indigenous voices.
Girdiņ Ŋʒʒe represents a significant departure from previous Turbine Hall commissions, offering visitors not just aesthetic pleasure but an urgent political message about cultural survival and environmental stewardship.
The installation will remain at Tate Modern until March 2026, offering Londoners a rare opportunity to engage with Sámi culture and the pressing issues facing Arctic indigenous communities.
