Olof Marsja - To carry this body of an animal forth
11 Sep - 21 Nov
Exhibition
How much of your identity is determined by your ancestry? This question lies at the heart of the work of artist Olof Marsja, who draws on his Sámi heritage, the only officially recognised indigenous people in Europe. Through sculptures, installations and a deeply poetic approach, Marsja explores the relationship between his cultural background and the challenges of modern times.
Sámi heritage and cultural oppression
The Sámi people, recognised as a national minority in Sweden, have a history marked by oppression, racism and the loss of traditions. It was not until 1977 that they were officially recognised by the Swedish parliament. Yet today, they still experience forms of segregation and social deprivation. For many, this makes reconnecting with their origins and identity complex and sometimes discouraging.
Art as a means of remembrance and resistance
For Olof Marsja, art is a powerful means of regaining cultural memory and reclaiming one's own story. His work confronts social injustice and transforms a forgotten past into a vibrant and contemporary present. Marsja uses assemblage as his main artistic technique. By combining different materials, he also symbolises the blending of identities. His sculptures explore themes such as being in between and give shape to hybrid beings that blur the boundaries between visual art and Duodji (Sámi craft), indigenous knowledge, fantasy, reality, humans and animals. Through the symbols they carry, the artist tells stories about life and ancient myths.