Anders Sunna

Anders Sunna 
CLXIX 
2019 
mixed media 

The art of Sámi artist Anders Sunna stems from defending his livelihood and identity. His work CLXIX refers to the ILO 169 Convention, which has not been ratified in Finland. “The piece reflects that we have much to say, but politicians do not want to listen,” Sunna explains. Sunna, whose work has also been featured at the Venice Biennale, aims to make Sámi culture visible. He actively addresses political discrimination, colonialism, and the marginalization of Arctic indigenous peoples. Sunna’s layered and politically charged style combines activism with aesthetics.

In 2019, the Arctic Arts Summit was held in Rovaniemi. In connection with the event, the Rovaniemi Art Museum organized Arctic // Street Art // Summit and invited five artists from the Nordic region to continue the series of Art Windows on Korundi’s Lapinkävijäntie-facing wall. The artists were Iliya Baidak (Murmansk, Russia), Anders Sunna (Jokkmokk, Sápmi), Vemund Thoe (Tromsø, Norway), Hanna Kanto (Helsinki, Finland), and Samuli Kontio (Rovaniemi, Finland). The artists of the North drew their inspiration from the surrounding nature and culture. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Norwegian curatorial collective Pikene på Broen.