Guržžot ja guovssat / Spell on you!

Outi Pieski is a Sámi visual artist based in Ohcejohka (Utsjoki) on the Finnish side of Sápmi.

'The installation Guržžot ja guovssat / Spell on you! deals with contradictory forces in the local Sámi societies. Based on the Sámi revitalisation movement it presents an empowering situation born out of Duodji tradition. It presents a gathered flock that heals and strengthens individuals from intergenerational traumas caused by colonialism. Guoržžu means a bad luck bird or an evil spirit and Guovssa is a lavskrika or Siberian jay, known to bring good luck. This bird is social, curious and playful.

Duodji is a holistic concept that preserves the Sámi philosophy, values and spirituality, and connects them with practical and traditional skills. Duodji is doing and making, crafting and creating. It is an act towards self-determination and kinship. Colonialism has tried to invalidate and demonize Duodji tradition, especially womens’ crafts. Despite this, Duodji is still today very powerful and vital.

For me Duodji is radical softness dealing with vulnerability, sincerity, sensibility and communality. It highlights that we are living in a reciprocal relationship with all living entities. Duodji is a collective way of creating, a counterforce against individual-centeredness and a competitive society. Guržžot ja guovssat / Spell on you! is made by several woman across Sápmi in Finland, Norway and Sweden. This textile architecture of hand-woven knots deals with ritual, redress, consolation and sacrifice.'—Outi Pieski