The sea rocks, the sky whispers

Synnøve Persen (b. 1950) is a Northern Sámi-Norwegian visual artist, author and poet. She is from Beavgohppi (Bevkop) by Porsángguvuotna (Porsangerfjorden) in Finnmark and grew up in a Sea Sámi family. Her hometown, the nature of the north, and the light, colors, seasons and landscapes of the Arctic have all been throughlines in her extensive artistic practice.  

Persen studied painting at the National Academy of Art in Oslo (1972-1978) and it was during her studies there that she was first introduced to abstract art. She discovered a freedom in abstract expression, a freedom that made it possible for her to break free from the retrograde and traditional views of what it means to be Sámi. This was a liberating discovery, and it led her in a direction that would make her a pioneer in Sámi abstract visual art.

In 1978, Persen was one of the founders of the famous Mazejoavku (The Masi Group). The Masi Group members were politically active and worked to strengthen Sámi rights and elevate the position of Sámi art and culture. Persen was also part of the formation of Sámi Daiddačehpiid Searvi (The Sámi Artists Association) in 1980. In 2018, Persen was named as a Commander of the Order of St. Olav and in 2025, she was the recipient of the John Savio Prize. The award recognizes her comprehensive artistic practice and her strong engagement with Sámi art and cultural life.

The exhibition’s title is taken from one of her published poems Windless Path (1992), tying together her work as a visual artist and a poet from her early career to the present.  

Curator: Lise Dahl 
Exhibition Design: Joar Nango 
Exhibition Production: Marc & Stella AS