Exhibitions in Norrbotten 2026

February 5–May 17, 2026
Aqui Thami’s graphic prints. Tjállegoáhte Sámi Writers Association in Jokkmokk.

Collaboration based on Kins collection

July 1–August 16, 2026
Works from Kins collection. LaponiaPorten in Porjus.

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Kulturporten cultural association in Porjus.

October 15, 2026–September 5, 2027
Times of Turmoil: Rudolf Gowenius and Andjeas Ejiksson. Piteå Museum and Kin, Winter 2027

Times of Turmoil centers on the multifaceted work of artist Rudolf Gowenius during a time when Europe was shaken by profound social, political, and cultural changes. Born in 1896 in Öjebyn, Norrbotten, he trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and went on to work primarily in Paris and Stockholm during the first half of the twentieth century. Like a mirror of the movements and contexts that still shape Europe’s cultural identity and cohesion today, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to rediscover Gowenius and his art.

The exhibition is presented in seven scenes. Each scene is based on a specific aspect of Gowenius’ life and art, which in turn reflect issues and events such as faith, identity and economic crisis. Among other things, he created a series of modernist murals at the Paris bar La Cigogne, developed a technique for velvet painting, decorated financier Ivar Krüeger’s music room and created a highly acclaimed advertising pillar for the Swedish paper industry at the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris.

Through an in-depth exploration of Gowenius’ life and work, the exhibition intertwines history and the present. It also aims to draw attention to an artist who has largely been overshadowed, but whose work is of great cultural and historical value. On display are paintings and sketches from his work in Paris and Stockholm, as well as works by the artist Andjeas Ejiksson and images, documents and objects from the various contexts in which Gowenius was active. The exhibition is produced in close collaboration with Rudolf Gowenius’ daughter, Vera Gowenius.

Traveling Exhibitions

A Box Within a Box Within a Box: Thoughts and Art by Staffan Westerberg
Seven suitcases present Staffan Westerberg’s multifaceted artistry, from his childhood miniature theatre made of cardboard to his puppet theatre—cabaret, television, images, and poetry. Born in Luleå in 1934, Staffan Westerberg continues to illuminate the tragic and playful nature of human existence with childlike seriousness. With the help of an umbrella, a sock or a piece of driftwood, he ponders existential questions.

You Can Do Whatever You Want: Marie-Louise Ekman’s Art over Fifty Years
Love, everyday follies and toilet musings are featured in Marie-Louise Ekman’s (b. Stockholm, 1944) first exhibition in Norrbotten. In ten artworks created over the course of five decades, the audience encounters a significant and extraordinarily versatile artist—one who has made films and plays, served as rector of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, directed the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and, throughout, remained consistently relevant in her artistic practice.

Journey through the dawn: Britta Marakatt-Labba’s graphic art
For half a century, Marakatt-Labba–born in 1951 in Ađevuopmi/Idivuoma and working in Badje Sohppar/Övre Soppero, both in the municipality of Giron/Kiruna – has been one of the most prominent Sámi artists. She depicts everyday life and politics, historical events and mythological scenes. Her graphic prints help to make her art and its stories more accessible to a wider audience. This exhibition includes framed prints from the last decade with well-known motifs such as tent huts, reindeer herding, skiing trips, and the expansion of the mines.

Borg Mesch and Norrakollektivet
A new travelling exhibition is being developed in collaboration with Kiruna Municipality’s Culture and Education Administration, featuring existing prints of Borg Mesch’s photographs and photographic works by the Luleå-based artist group Norrakollektivet. The exhibition is part of Borg Mesch: A Photographer in Sápmi during the Colonial Period, which in turn is part of Kin’s multi-year thematic thread The Critical Zone.

Kin on the Kiruna Book Bus
Another collaboration with art on the Kiruna library bookmobile is planned for Autumn 2026.

Image 1: A Box Within a Box Within a Box: Thoughts and Art by Staffan Westerberg
Image 2: Aqui Thami