Through our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture

This winter, Somerset House presents the Through our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture exhibition, the very first group exhibition in the UK to celebrate the art and culture of the Sámi people. The exhibition will include work by 19 contemporary Sámi artists across the Sápmi region.

For centuries, the traditional Sámi way of life has depended on nature and reindeer herding. Today, these traditions face growing pressures, from environmental change to threats to Indigenous rights. Yet Through our Eyes is not defined by these challenges. Across the exhibition, the artworks are full of humour, creativity and hope, offering new perspectives on Sámi identity, culture and contemporary life.

The exhibition features a brand-new commission by artist Outi Pieski, made from hundreds of traditional shawl tassels. Other artists in the exhibition include Iver Jåks, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Britta Marakatt-Labba, Nils-Aslak Valkeapää, Tomas Colbengtson, Carola Grahn, Marja Helander, Olof Marsja, Elina Waage Mikalsen, Joar Nango & Katarina Spik Skum, Outi Pieski, Ritni Ráste Pieski & Lotta Hagelin, Lada Suomenrinne, Anders Sunna, Carl-Johan Utsi & Jenni Laiti, and Liselotte Wajstedt.

The exhibition runs from 6 November 2026 until 7 February 2027.

Through our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture is curated by Sámi visual artist Matti Aikio and Somerset House’s Director of Exhibitions Dr Cliff Lauson. The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland.