A new work of art welcomes travelers at Luleå Airport

Four rivers in a Sami theme now greet travelers at Luleå Airport. The new artwork is a tribute to the region's identity and the result of a broad collaboration to strengthen art in public environments.

Behind the work is the artist duo Katarina Spik Skum from Jokkmokk and Johanna Minde from Luleå. Together they have created a work that highlights the landscape, the Sami culture and gives a clear sense of Norrbotten already in the arrivals hall.

Collaboration between several actors

The artwork is part of a project initiated by Swedavia with Länsförsäkringar Norrbotten as co-financier. The Art Resource Centre, which is part of Region Norrbotten, has contributed with advice, artistic expertise and quality assurance throughout the process.

– Strengthening the art scene in Norrbotten and creating public environments where art can take its place is part of our mission. This shows how collaboration can provide more culture in public environments and at the same time promote local artists, says Ludvig Aderlund Sjödin, development manager at the Resource Center for Art.

The background to the project is simple. The previous photo wallpaper with the Lapland Gate had been on the wall for 13 years and had faded over time.

– It was time for something new that was connected to Norrbotten. So we contacted the Resource Center for Art to see if we could do something together, says Henrik Söderlund at Swedavia.

Katarina Spik Skum and Johanna Minde in front of their newly installed artwork. Photo: Simon Eliasson.

Four rivers, winter and identity

For Katarina and Johanna, this is their first joint work in Sweden. They work with inspiration from duodji (Sami crafts) where tradition, knowledge and materials are woven into both form and color. At Luleå Airport they have chosen to work with plexiglass.

The work highlights the four major rivers as travel routes, shows how the landscape changes and tells how the language differs between different Sami areas.

– Many people don't realize that, for example, the Sami language changes between the rivers. Even how we have lived along the river can differ and we want to highlight that, says Katarina Spik Skum.

The artists hope that the design will give visitors a sense of the place and arouse curiosity.

– We want to put Luleå and Norrbotten on the map. Our hope is that travelers will recognize the landscape and culture or become curious to experience more, says Johanna Minde.

Text: Charlotte Norenius Högnelid
Photos: Simon Eliasson