Olof Marsja: To carry this body of an animal forth at 1646

How much of who you are is defined by your heritage?

Artist Olof Marsja draws on his Sámi heritage, Europe’s only officially recognised indigenous people. Through his sculptures, installations and a deeply poetic approach, Marsja delves into his background. He relates this complex history to contemporary times and challenges.

Reconnecting with one’s heritage and identity can be daunting, especially when a culture has been oppressed and at times not passed from generation to generation. Recognised as one of Sweden’s national minorities, the Sámi people have endured a long history of abuse, racism and cultural oppression, only receiving official recognition from the Parliament in 1977. They still face forms of oppression and segregationist policies today.

For Marsja, art is a means of reclaiming cultural memory and taking back control of the narrative. His work confronts social injustices and transforms a forgotten past into a living present.

The artist employs ‘assemblage’ as the primary technique in his sculptures. Beyond the mixing of materials, this method symbolises the blending of various identities.

In playful and yet serious ways, Marsja’s sculptures touch on themes of ‘in-betweenness’ and he brings hybrid creatures to life that blur the lines between fine art and Duodji (Sámi craft), indigenous knowledge, fantasy, reality, human and animal. Through the symbols they carry, the artist tells stories about life and ancient myths.

Part of the exhibition is made possible by the generous loan from a private collection.