Journey Through Dawn—Britta Marakatt-Labba's Graphic Works in Abisko

The world-famous artist Britt a Marakatt-Labba has created a rich and poetic story about the Sámi people, the only indigenous group on the European continent, using needle and thread. Marakatt - Labbas works tells us stories about the Sámi fight for their land and culture, and weaves together personal experiences with the global climate crisis, which affects the entire planet. As a part of the exhibition In the Footsteps of the Stars—The Embroidered Worlds of Britta Marakatt-Labba, shown at Kin in Giron/Kiruna 23 October, 2024–16 March, 2025 ten graphic works by the artist will tour around Norrbotten County. The graphic prints are all based on works where Marakatt-Labba uses embroidery, appliqué, coloring of textiles, and untreated fabrics. Through the graphic works, the creations and the stories they tell become accessible to a broader audience.

Britta Marakatt-Labba, born in Ađevuopmi/Idivuoma and based today in Badje Sohppar/Övre Soppero (both in Giron/Kiruna Municipality on the Swedish side of Sápmi), has for over half a century been one of most prominent Sámi artists. In her artworks she depicts daily activities and political episodes, historical events, and mythological scenes. Present in her work is the recurring figure of the primeval mother wearing a red horn cap, or ládjogaphir, which was common in the northern and eastern Sámi areas until it was banned by the church in the nineteenth century. On certain occasions, the artist will instead convey her stories through prints, sculptures, as well as installations. As a signature of Sámi joik singing, the narratives usually lack a beginning and end. Panoramic landscapes featuring white mountain plateaus oft en serve as the backdrop for the detailed scenes that she typically depicts in the foreground. In an early interview, she emphasized that textiles are themselves something that the nomadic and reindeer herding Sámi brought with them during their annual migrations, textiles that even to this day remain easy to pack and carry. Moreover, her textiles originate from nature— that is indeed their true source.

Adress and opening hours
STF Abisko turiststation, 981 07 Abisko.

Opening hours from 20 June-30 August: Monday-Sunday 9-17

the exhibition will also be shown at the following places during 2025

1 Ocober-31 October 2025: Överkalix Art Gallery

3 November-5 December 2025: Boden Art Gallery

Images: Overview of the exhibition in Abisko.