Untamed

 

In January I received an invitation to arrive to celebrate the opening of Irene Kangasniemi and Riitta Ahmasalo exhibition tour's first target: Lapponica Hall at Rovaniemi library. They have put up a fabulous exhibition Untamed -Poetic Art Handicrafts from Lapland. Riitta has written the poems and Irene made the crafts. 

Unfortunately I missed the opening due the frost (too long way to try out my luck alone if the car works proper when driving through the wilderness) but a week later it was  warmer (only -24C so I was ready to go with Him). I made some pics and asked Irene if I can show them to you and make a post about it. Of course she said of course.

Above you can see The mysterious seventh.

Irene is very artistic, skillful, inspired, talent and professional. She uses left over materials for her art work.

I love these little reindeer. I have seen some more of them which are not shown at the expo. I missed them a bit but if you don't know about them you don't know they exist so you don't miss them.

I love to investigate the little reindeer from each perspective.

At Irene's work you can always see many details which I find very charming.

These little willow grouses decorate the reindeer skull.

I love it how Irene and Riitta have put it all up.

I love the shadows on the wall.

The shadows form out another expo behind the main expo.

Aikia Aikianpoika is ancestor of Irene and many other Forest Sámi. He was a famous shaman who at the end was judged to death by Christian society. Before that they took his drum away, like many other drums. 

Irene has made this drum according to Kemi Sámi Drum. It is our drum and has been return to Sámi museum Siida. It is great it has been return but it is important to know Siida and Sámi Parliament don't tell the whole truth. Forest Sámi people do not exist to them. They claim we are dead and extinct and people today who claim they are Forest Sámi are Finnish people who want only money and political influence in Sámi Parliament to reduce and push down the rights of true Sámi (as they call themselves). 

Irene has made a great work making honor to her ancestor.

None knows how he looked and what he wore. It is all Irene's imagination but bases on historically know facts.

Irene's husband Ari made this beautiful "soljo" for Aikia.

I can hear the sound when he is walking. In our culture that sound (and the glint of light that reflects from our jeweler) frightens the bad away and protects us from it to find us.

I love even the frames. Irene has used old timber which has naturally grown beautiful.

Irene's work is full of enchanting details that capture your eye and make you to spend a long time by the art -not just walk by.

But it is not just serious. Irene has a good sense of humor and ability to express also it.

Irene is very clever to express her art in many ways.

The bigger picture and details describe in the work Change very well the change of the culture.

I usually don't like modern art but you can't be without loving Irene's modern art.

Also this beautifully paint leather has fabulous recycled framing.

A detail from the item described above. Wooden cup "kuksa" and wooden spoon. Traditionally you never should buy kuksa for yourself, it is always a gift received. In past people had only one spoon they used all their life. They received it as a child and carried with them the whole lifetime.

You would think Irene's art needs a traditional timber walls behind them. In my opinion these fit well also in modern house white wall with a spot light when they get some space around them.

Irene made four costumes (including the clothing of Aikia) for the exhibition.

This is a modern idea of it how the leather celebration costumes could have looked in old times. It includes laser cut lace leather Irene has got done at Armani, Italy. It is made of reindeer skin.

She made also a beautiful hat for the costume.

Also this costume is modern inspiration that breathes the past...

...with meaningful details. Can you hear the amulets?

This is Kuolajärvi Sámi costume. I have helped Irene in the project of making the costume. Her husband Ari made the "soljo" brooches for the costume inspired by old metallic items.

In the exhibition you can see -for the first time ever in public expo- our women hat. I made the pattern and first samples according to the photos made of old saved pieces. It is said Four Winds hat is a part of Sámi men costume. It is true. It is a part of men costume. But in Forest Sámi culture (that Siida and Sami Parliament don't recon and accept) men can wear Four Wind hat and a fur cap. Forest Sámi women can wear traditional style women's Sámi style hat but originally they wore small Four Wind Hat in Kuolajärvi region at least. We have spoken tradition about it that Forest Sámi women can wear Four Wind hat but in Kuolajärvi region we have found also material proof about it. This is the information Siida and Sámi parliament miss when they reject Forest Sámi people and culture.

Most of all I loved this piece of art. I felt difficult to go home without it. It is far too expensive for me. If you can afford it, buy it and remember me!

Lapponica Hall exhibition is closed. Irene and Riitta have taken the expo to Meän galleria, Kellokas, Ylläs, Finland. If you are around, go to se it½!

You can visit Irene at her workshop. Remember to book a visit to make sure you get in. She gets many visitors every year and she makes sure it doesn't get crowded but authentic so she really just closes up the door and makes you to return back if its booked already. So, make a call or book yourself in by email.