Elle Márjá Eira, Hans Ragnar Mathisen, and Joar Nango

Buolvvaiguin (With Generations), 2026
wood, stone, transparencies, LED lights, plexiglass, printed fabric, postcards, monitors, reindeer hides, clothes, video, and sound
dimensions variable
Courtesy of the artists; commissioned by Carnegie Museum of Art for the 59th Carnegie International

Chapter 1: Childhood

person on a snowy night watercolor

family of people watercolor

HERE I WAS A CHILD PATIENT FROM MAY 9th 1949 TILL SEPTEMBER 21st 1956. Except for the last year, I was bound to the bed, and had to learn walking again when I was 10 years old...

watercolor of a hospital

KORRIDOR PÅ 'KYSTEN'

watercolor of a hallway in a hospital

EATNI! MOTHER! MAMMA!

person above a crib watercolor

After my mother's singular visit, nurse then gave me a cruel reproach!

person above a crib watercolor

09. 05. 1949–21. 09. 1956 End of Travel, the coastal hospital at Romssasuolu

child in a crib watercolor

MY UNCLE AMUND SENT ME A BOOK WITH LARGE COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS ABOUT THE VARIOUS PARTS OF A CAR. I LIKED IT VERY MUCH. HE WAS A PATIENT OF TB, LIKE ME. ALAS, HE DIED THERE AT VENSMOEN SANATORIUM. THIS KINDNESS HELPED ME SURVIVE.

person reading a book in a hospital watercolor

childrens toys on the floor watercolor

Memories I tried to ignore and forget, but they never left me in place.

corner of a room watercolor

TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE DAYS AND NIGHTS.

watercolor of beds in a hospital facing windows

abstract sun watercolor

Chapter 2: My Resurrection

The hospital chauffeur Svendsen took some of us walking kid patients outside to the Folk Park nearby. I took up something and asked what is this green thing. Amazed Svendsen said; Don't you know, it is grass growing. I didn't know.

person searching the ground for something watercolor

WITH FOSTER PARENTS ON ČUOIGAN-TRIP IN ROMSSAVÁGGI / TROMSDALEN

family in a snowy field watercolor

Playing with old model boat "SATURN"

person playing on the ocean watercolor

FAMILY MEETING IN SÁLAŠVÁGGI, Grøtsundvegen 15, Tromsdalen.

children playing outside watercolor

EAM2_156 EAM 156 "ME WAITING FOR THE SHOP TO OPEN. ONE WEDNESDAY IN JUNE 1956 I STAND OUTSIDE INFRONT OF THE DOOR OF LARSTHØRING SHOP AT 7:45 AM to buy the newest edition of ""DONALD DUCK & CO"" with a warm 1 kr. coin clutched in my small hand. Finally I could buy it myself, since I got an allowance of 1 kr, since I was out of bed, had learnt to walk and even run again, at least the 150 meter or so from the hospital outer gates. I was 10 years old, soon to be 11. Interested in fun fantasy. I was beginning to cope with the real world outside the walls of the hospital. " N D yes

shop house near a river watercolor

After one year I had a considerable collection. When my future foster mother Nikoline asked if I wanted to stay with them until my mother was well, I asked If I could bring "my things" (a couple of toys, and the Disney collection, they said I could, and the issue was settled. I left the hospital for a home in Ramfjordveien nr 13, Tromsdalen on 21.09.1956

watercolor of a boy

My new "parents" were eager to record my activity on bl./wh. film after I arrived in Ramfjordveien. Arnljot had a piano being a pianist of Filadelfia [Philadelphia]. I already tried pedal organ & piano at Kysten. Interestingly, The title of the piece is called "Twins (Tvillingene)"

person practicing on a piano with sheet music watercolor

Preparing to go to school.

person ironing watercolor

" Being small, and with dark hair and eyes I was a give away for the mob. "

watercolor of a group of kids

[...] My favorite topics at school

person looking at drawing watercolor

IS ART WORK, I asked my foster father, - his confirmative answer pleased me.

child handing their dad a watercolor that itself is a watercolor

MY PET PUTTEN ESCAPES THROUGH THE KITCHEN WINDOW!

bird flying out of its cage watercolor

We found Putten in my friend's friend's home.

children observing a bird out of its cage watercolor

After his trip outside Putten got sick. The name "Putten" I made from "Puffen" the green sitting container left.

bird out of its cage watercolor

PUTTEN'S PAIN IS PUT TO AN END

people outside watercolor

The grave of my pet PUTTEN (1)

person crouching watercolor

AFTER THE MEETING PEOPLE SEEKING HEALING WERE ASKED TO COME FORWARD

watercolor of a shoe department

Around 3cm difference in length. Even the priest thought that was much.

person trying on shoes watercolor

SENSING A MIRACLE! 10. 04. 1972

closer view of person trying on shoes watercolor

ABLE TO RUN AGAIN! (TEST ONE.)

person walking down a street watercolor

Chapter 3: Art is my life

THE ART & CRAFTS SCHOOL IN OSLO AS I remember it

watercolor of a building

STUDENTS PRACTICAL APPLICATION To study at the State Art Academy, September 1973

people attending a nude figure drawing class watercolor

person bookbinding watercolor

WRITING A LETTER TO NATIONAL INDIAN BROTHERHOOD OF CANADA in 1972. WELL, THEY GOT IT, BUT I WROTE IT 22. 08. 1972 TO "INDIAN-ESKIMO ASSOCATION" as I labeled it. In coming years co-operation between Indigenous Peoples came about, first regionally in 1974, then the first WCIP (World Council of Indigenous People) came in 1975, with George Manuel as the elected leader. I was an observer. I like to think that my intiative in 1972 was starting it all, but I can't prove it. Once at Port Alberni, B.C., Canada, I got good contact with the local indigenous people. I also presented a blue-print of my Pan-Sámi map. I had many interesting and some strange experiences there.

person opening lithography plates watercolor

MY DEBUT EXHIBITION

people in a room watercolor

MY ARTWORK AT THE NATIONAL ART EXHIBITION AT OSLO 1970

person looking at a photo of a room watercolor

ART IS MY LIFE... KUNSTNER 1970.

self portrait of a person in watercolor

KATHRINE JOHNSEN EXPLAINS MY SÁMI ROOTS.

people at a table writing watercolor

The First Sámi flag made 1962 by Marit Stueng of Kárášjohka 1962.

person biking holding a flag watercolor

A SÁMI ASSOCIATION IS FOUNDED IN ROMSA / TROMSØ 1969

people folding paper at a table watercolor

Norwegian anger against a proposed TV program about Sámi Revitalisation, idea of Knut Johnsen

person talking at the street watercolor

"MEARKA MIS LEA 'ČSV'!" Johan Jernsletten coined this Sámi slogan prior to the literature seminar in 1973

various landscapes watercolor

ASKING FOR ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR THE FIRST PAN-SÁMI MAP AT THE CULTURE COUNCIL OF NORWAY IN OSLO, WHERE IT WAS PRODUCED.

people talking watercolor

MY MAP ORIGINALS, All four of them were reproduced one by one on a large flatbed scanner at KEMIGRAFIA A/S in CENTRAL OSLO. They did a good job.

map on a table with people looking at it watercolor

PLANS FOR A Huge Dam

church amongst other houses in a valley watercolor

The Sacred Mountain Unites the Beautiful lake

watercolor painting of a lake and a mountain in the background

COMMUNICATING WITH THE SACRED MOUNTAIN IN OUR DREAM...

person sleeping about a wintery outside watercolor

SACRED DREAM MESSAGE OF VICTORY!

wintery landscape watercolor

Chapter 4: Travels

WRITING A LETTER TO NATIONAL INDIAN BROTHERHOOD OF CANADA in 1972. WELL, THEY GOT IT, BUT I WROTE IT 22. 08. 1972 TO "INDIAN-ESKIMO ASSOCATION" as I labeled it. In coming years co-operation between Indigenous Peples came about, first regionally in 1974, then the first WCIP (World Council of Indigenous People) came in 1975, with George Manuel as the elected leader. I was an observer. I like to think that my intiative in 1972 was starting it all, but I can't prove it. Once at Port Alberni, B.C., Canada, I got good contact with the local indigenous people. I also presented a blue-print of my Pan-Sámi map. I had many interesting and some strange experiences there.

person writing watercolor

27–31. 10. 1975 WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, Port Alberni.

children sitting around a table

PARTICIPANTS at entrance of WCIP Conference. (after my own photo). This was of immense importance for Indigenous Peoples, we felt like belonging to a symbolic family. there are people from Kollāsuyo [Qullasuyu], Canada and Sápmi (Salo Aikio in the middle, me to the right.

people near an entrance watercolor

NILS-ASLAK VALKEAPÄÄ JUOIGA

persons face amongst people.

ANNA JAKOBSEN, born KAPPFJELL sits on a huge part of a giant redwood tree on LONG BEACH by UCLUELET, "British Columbia", Oct. 1975 (after memory of my own presence and photo)

person sitting on a log watercolor

VISITING LONG BEACH AT UCLUELET After the Conference we had a very nice outing by buses via Nanaimo and other hilly areas, and ferries until we came to the indigenous town of Ucluelet, where we were well received with local food. We walked afterwards on the Long Beach nearby where land and sea melt into each other. We enjoyed walking towards the Pacific Ocean. That way, they said is Asia and Japan.

people on a beach abstract watercolor

TRANSCONTINENTAL TRAVEL WITH GREYHOUND BUSES AND CANADIAN PACIFIC TRAIN

watercolor of bus near a bridge with a train on it that says pacific train

SARCEE (TSUUT'INA) INDIAN DAYS 1975 I was invited to take part in this traditional summer gathering of the Sarcee Native Canadians, and was regarded as a memeber of the tribe. I enjoyed it tremendously, and stayed in the Crowchild teepee, watching and taking part in the dances. I was even paid the CAN $5 according to Treaty 7, of Calgary, Alberta.

watercolor of people and teepees

I stayed some time with the Piegan [Piikani Nation], or Sarcee or Tsuut'ina people at their reservation close to Calgary in Alberta, Canda. I became one with them, and was even handed the 5 CAN$ as part of their old Treaty 7 with Canada. I was guest of the Crowchild family and stayed in their home. During "Indian Days" we lived in tipis (teepee). One night there was a thunderstorm but we were safe inside, under Chief Mountain.

watercolor of teepees at night

SPEAKING AT THE "BERGER HEARINGS" I showed some notes to George Manuel who invited me to Justice Thomas Berger's Hearings on the project of the Mackenzie oil line. I spoke, and said that this issue is an International one, concerning all Indigenous people, and was applauded.

VISITING RESERVATIONS BY HELICOPTER! In Canada, especially in Ontario during my "tenure" of MRA, ex-Song of Asia, I was brought to many different Indian reservations to talk, yoik and bring the message of moral standards. I was pleased to learn that more often than not the chiefs and leaders claimed that, these standards corresponded with their own basic cultural ideals. Jack Freebury often introduced me.

watercolor of people near teepees

"MEETING RARIHOKWATS AT AKWESASNE / EDITOR OF ""AKWESASNE NOTES."" 27–28. 11. 1976 with Lars Renfelt and a local friend in MOHAWK homeland. We met the editor of perhaps the only INDIGENOUS Periodical newspaper wordwide ""Akwesasne Notes."" We stayed one night here in Upstate New York. "

houses on a farm watercolor

"ME WITH NEW YORK CITY SKYLINE 26. November 1976."

watercolor of a clown

TAMAKI - MAKAURAU (Auckland), AOTEAROA The land of the long white cloud the Polynesian settlers as they arrived this green island Aotearoa. They arrived in several canoes, and the land was organized accordingly. I stayed longest in WAIROA, of the TAKITIMU canoe, we had learnt songs in Māoritanga, with relevant movements by hands and steps, always in groups already learnt. The aneia / canoes in the song were; Aneia Aotea; Aneia Kurahaupō, Aneia Mataatua, Aneia Tainui, Aneia Tokomaru, Aneia Tākitimu, Aneia Horouta, as far as I remember. January 1977

island amongst a lake

"STAYING IN THE MARAE AT WAIROA, OF THE Tākitimu CANOE, Mánatuki, HAWKE'S BAY, AOTEAROA, NEW ZELAND. 20. 01. 1977. WONDERFUL COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE. "

inside of a church watercolor

GREETED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II. One of my last days in Aotearoa I was told that Queen Elizabeth II of England was visiting as part of her Silver Jubilee. Staying in an Auckland suburb, I was told that her cortège was passing along the road close by. I hurried outside to the closest crossing and as the cortège of cars passed by, I waved my hand to the Queen, she smiled and waved back to me. It was over very quickly, but could not forget it.

person hailing a car watercolor

VISITING AUSTRALIA. CHERBOURG ABORIGINAL RESERVE. GROUP OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE REST IN THE SHADOW OF LARGE GUMTREES. ca. 27. 02. 1977 Later I got to know Redge & Walda Blow from the Northeastern coast islands, and their family! Sharon Lee, daughter and Carl Blow, son. I also met activist and poets

people resting under a tree watercolor

KANGAROO MEETING 23. 06. 1977 in the wildlife park. "Hello and Good-bye!" Lasting memory from my stay in AUSTRALIA. ASIA next!

person giving food to a kangaroo watercolor

"ULURU 22.06.1977 Then the magnificent Uluru appeared first in the distance and then larger as we closed in. Situated in the almost exact geographic middle point of Australia, this sacred area for the Uluritdja people, had a different name but by foreigners! a name that does not deserve mention. As we landed the small plane, some climbed it (not allowed anymore, others went to a different site, I decided to stay, and walked around it all, discovering its many secrets. "

house in the dessert watercolor

APPROACHING ASIA 23. 06. 1977. Flying over Timor, with its many homes, no electricity, only family fireplaces. People living in, close and into nature. This sight warmed my heart! ASIA at last! Coming back to my Homeland!

islands watercolor

ASIA AT LAST! NIGHT MARKET IN SINGAPORE 23. 06. 1977 Nice and warm air and atmosphere. (HONG KONG WAS BRITISH AT THE TIME)

watercolor of people in ground in singapore

ONE OF MY BESTFRIENDS, SINCE 1974 & SONG OF ASIA. I met VISIER SANYÜ After the fabulous performance of "Song of Asia", a musical with a challenging message! We became and are still friends. In 1977 on 14th of August I visited his home in Nagaland! One of the greatest experiences of my life. He also came to SAMILAND several times, once even during winter! I had been keen to meet [Indigenous] people, and meeting the people in Song of Asia was the answer!

various heads in watercolor

ASIA PLATEAU: 06–12.07.1977 PANCHGANI SOME DISTANCE FROM BOMBAY, THE ASIAN CENTRE OF MORAL RE-ARMAMENT AND THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE MAGNIFICENT SONG OF ASIA. THERE IS A THEATRE, CONFERENCE HALLS, AND LIVING HOUSEBLOCKS. I visited here several times for conferences. I made a watercolour series of local birds for the rooms.

mountainous field in asia watercolor

VISITING MAHATMA GANDHI'S GRAVE. While I was in the in the Indian Capital New Delhi I expressed a strong wish to see Ghandi's grave. He managed with the help of others to force the British Occupation Army to leave their colony, ending a disgusting time of rape, theft and murder. Shame on them! Gandhi managed to win against them without using violence but wisdom. Alas he was killed by a Hindu fanatic! Shame on India, too!

gandhis grave watercolor

IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF INDIA, Mr. Shriniwashwaradan, to apply for a permit to enter and visit Nagaland. He signed the document, and told his assitant with responsibility for the North East of India, where Nagaland is one of the states, Mr. Kampani "Please expedite! But Kampani would try to counter-act.

room with people in it watercolor

ON THE TRAIN FROM CALCUTTA TO GAUHATI [Guwahati], AND FROM THERE LATER TO DIMAPUR. OVERNIGHT. It was full. It was difficult to sleep because Indian passangers talked all the time. They clearly discussed the serious case of Nagaland.

trains on a track watercolor

NIDINO SANYÜ DREAMING MY NAME KEVISELIE "The One who comes for a good occasion (14.08.1977) The One who meets the good things in life. The good occasion on arrival was the then forbidden celebration of Naga Independence made 14. 08. 1947 to UNITED NATIONS, since the treachorous British did not keep their promise of accepting and promoting Naga Independece.

abstract watercolor of people in field

RECEIVING THE ANGAMI CEREMONIAL SPEAR

people amongst a field watercolor

ENTER A MESSENGER FROM NAGALAND AT THE 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, IN GIRON [Kiruna], SÁPMI, SWEDEN. 1977. I WANTED TO SAY A FEW WORDS, BUT THE CHAIRMAN DID NOT WANT TO ALLOW IT, Ole Henrik Magga kept strictly to the Agenda, to the protest of some of the delegation from Latin America, Johas Uyo, and others. I got a chance during the interval.

classroom watercolor

NAGALAND DAY 14. AUGUST 1947–2020 FANTASY OVER THE NAGALAND FLAG

rainbow with night sky watercolor

KRUSKA (June 1979) ON THE TRANS-SIBERIAN TRAIN

watercolor of a room

KRUSKA (June 1979) ON THE TRANS-SIBERIAN TRAIN

train station watercolor

BAIGAL [Baikal] lake is 636 km long, 80 km wide, size: 31.722 km², height above sea level: 456 m, Average depth 744 m, 1.600 m at the deepest, Volume 23.615 m³ (20% of all freshwater on Earth!)

mountain valley with tracks going to mountain tunnel watercolor

festival at night watercolor

RICE FIELDS OF RURAL CHINA

field in watercolor

THE CITY OF NANJING WAS WIPED OUT BY THE JAPANESE IN THE MOST HORRIBLE WAY. NANJING OR "SOUTHERN CAPITAL" IS VERY HOT IN SUMMER, SO THEY CITY HAD PLANTED MANY TREES TO ABSORB THE HEAT.

watercolor of city of nanjing in watercolor

THE BEST MEAL I EVER HAD. BEIJING DUCK IN A BEIJING DUCK RESTAURANT, IN BEIJING!

people eating in a resturaunt watercolor

TRAFFIC ALONG PEARL RIVER GUANGCHOW [Guangzhou] / CANTON PROVINCE SOUTHERN CHINA. BEIJIANG AFTER MY PENCIL SKETCH 05.07.1979

river between mountains with boats watercolor

LEAVING HONG KONG FOR TAIWAN Crossing the Xianggang / Hong Kong harbour with ferry from "Victoria Island" to KOWLOON I got a glimpse of this old traditional Chinese sailboat. I bought a reasonable roundtrip ticket HK-Taipei-Tokyo-Taipei-Hong Kong, and left from the HK airport (September 1979) on the mainland, KOWLOON, at the time the densest populated area in the world.

boat on a tributary watercolor

TYPHOON IN TAI PO

typhoon in taipo watercolor

TAI PO SAM YUK SECONDARY SCHOOL Lunchtime with students and teachers in Library / Gymnasium (Gymhall)

people eating at tables watercolor

HSÜ FUNCHI, here with an Indigenous girl on a wooden platform. HE WAS A KIND, WARMHEARTED FRIEND, AND HOST. I stayed in his home most of my time in Hong Kong. He was honest, modest, caring and helpful. I met his mother, and also his wife to be. They live in America now.

people standing in a forest watercolor

YOUNG PAKANYAW SOLDIER Your friends fetched me to meet you. (02. 11. 1980) Expected to defend your beautiful people, against the horrible cynacism of the Burmese Army. Sadness and worry mark your handsome face. As we hugged, I prayed for your future. When I came home months later, I saw you in a reportage on TV, you had a bandaged arm. I felt very sad, yet glad you are still alive!

self portrait of the artist amongst soldiers watercolor

SHINKANSEN, The World's first "Bullet train"

train watercolor with rising sun

HERE I PRESENT MY HANDMADE BOOK "A WORLD FAMILY" ; Lithographed portraits after pencil sketches, to the leader of the group to help "BOAT PEOPLE" or Refugees from South East Asia. I was then invited to a Restaurant for a formal Japanese Dinner, and was also given a marvelously done woodblock print as a gift.

playwright watercolor

NITTEN, Annual Japanese Art & Crafts Exhibition. Tokyo, Here from the Calligraphy Section.

scrolls with calligraphy on them hanging from walls watercolor

IN HAKODATE, Staying in the Youth Hostel I aimed to meet Ainu People. I visited an Ainu museum exhibition, and was impressed with their elaborate patterns. As for the ancient Sámi, the Bear is sacred and important. I also was fascinated by the woodblock prints of SHIKŌ MUNAKATA. I wanted to go to SAPPORO, but could not afford it, alas!

person amongst watercolors on the floor watercolor

KATSUJI NAKAJIMA, SURVIVOR OF AMERICAN ATOMIC BOMB attack. AFTER LIVE PENCIL SKETCH 14. 11. 1979.

person next to atomic bomb watercolor

JAPAN'S PROBLEMATIC HISTORY Unlike Germany, Japan has not taken enough responsibility for their aggression, violence and genocide attempts in the past, like the annihilation of the Chinese city of NANJING. They have not yet repaired, not even attempted to, their inhuman wars on most of South-East Asia. Instead they are hiding under excess materialism, and misinformation!

town watercolor that says japans problematic history

TWIN CITY OR DOUBLE CITY? WHILE IN TOKYO, JAPAN, I walked to a long stone fence expecting to see spread out train lines from a large Railway Station, but saw something very different. It was a myriad of people working and running transporting goods and what not. Asking, I learned that this is the working and living areas for people with "unclean" jobs, regarded as unfit to live in the "normal" city, people like butchers, meat and food traders, various professions, had to live here, included among them: artists! I was disappointed.

twin city or double city watercolor

IN HAKODATE, Staying in the Youth Hostel I aimed to meet Ainu People. I visited an Ainu museum exhibition, and was impressed with their elaborate patterns. As for the ancient Sámi, the Bear is sacred and important. I also was fascinated by the woodblock prints of SHIKŌ MUNAKATA. I wanted to go to SAPPORO, but could not afford it, alas!

gorilla and killer whale watercolor with person peeking at them

FERRY TO HAKODATE, HOKKAIDO

boat on the ocean that says ferry to hakodate hokkaido watercolor

Chapter 5: Twins seek each other

VUOIUGNÁLAŠMĀTKI / SPIRITUAL TRAVEL

painting of the sun and various abstract emails

The hare, my spiritual animal, came to my goahti, when I was a child where I was resting. The message was to count my days until my spirit returns to the twin soul. A realistic dream, and a dreamlike reality, truth. A few years ago, having an exhibition at the old schoolhouse in Deanudat, I stayed overnight there. It was summer, and I was visited by a hare, who stood looking at me for a while. I was enthralled, and took it as a blessing and it is.

watercolor of a rabbit with a background of tepees

MUITUVUOHTA / ACTIVE REMEMBRANCE Memories remember those who remember them..

abstract watercolor of a tree

TWIN UNIVERSES CO-EXISTING. BEING A HALF-TWIN-THE OTHER HALF EXISTS WITHIN AND WITHOUT ME. WONDERFUL MYSTERY HARD TO EXPLAIN, BUT EASY TO ACCEPT. WELCOME BACK, BROTHER.

two things floating in the sky watercolor

LUONODU OKTAVUOÐAS / AFTER THE LOSS OF MOTHER AND FATHER NATURE IS MY FIRST LOVE

flower field watercolor

NIEHKOJÁVRI LAKE BÁHPAJÁVRI ON ROMSSASUOLU. ONE OF MY MOST favorite places; here I go as often as I can, since the 1960-ies. I love all the ducks and other birds here. I get much inspiration and blessing here after which I am very grateful to the Great Ones

sunset amongst lake and mountains watercolor

PHANTA REI / ALL IS MOVEMENT

abstract painting of sun

NUNAVUT CANADA'S "NORTHERN TERRITORIES" BECOMES NUNAVUT

moon with a face on it watercolor

JUMES DOARTAGAT / Twins seek each other

abstract watercolor drawing

SKAPMA / Arctic Winter Night

watercolor of a skyline with volcanoes in the distance