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Carola Grahn

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Carola Grahn

(Born 1982, Jokkmokk)

Vearalden Olmai, 2023

Birch, reindeer and moose antlers

5 x 5 x 2 m

This sculpture is a loose interpretation of a symbol inscribed on one of the few sacred Sami drums to survive the efforts of the Christian state to confiscate and burn them in the 1600s as tools of witchcraft. The preserved drums are seen as the foremost authentic relics of the original Sami belief system. The work’s title, Vearalden Olmai, loosely translates to the world’s man and refers to the highest god, who lives among the stars and holds up the world. Grahn’s sculpture, was commissioned for the solo exhibition Trädgränsen [The Tree Line] (2023) and was also the centerpiece in the ritual performance work Hupehensis that took place in late fall at dusk. In accordance with the artist’s wish, the work will be allowed to naturally disintegrate whereupon it will eventually cease to exist in the collection.