John Savio
John Savio (1902–38) was a groundbreaking Sámi artist who was active in the 1920s and 30s. He is especially known for his expressive woodcuts and paintings, which depicted Sámi culture and everyday life as he knew it.
Through his art, Savio challenged stereotypical and racist images of Sámi culture, and called for resistance against the discrimination and state-imposed ‘Norwegianisation’ policies of his age. This made him an important voice in the wider political movement for Sámi independence.
Despite his short lifespan, Savio managed to make a significant mark. He combined depictions of traditional Sámi culture with modern techniques, and developed a very special visual language which paved the way for Sámi ‘dáidda’, or Sámi contemporary art. Today he is considered a unique voice in Nordic modernism, and a continuing source of inspiration for Sámi contemporary artists.
This exhibition is a collaboration with the Savio Museum in Kirkenes, and marks the first major retrospective of Savio’s work, bringing together nearly 100 pieces. It presents groundbreaking research and new perspectives on this under-recognised artist, contributing to a deeper understanding of both Sámi and Circumpolar Indigenous art.
