English

Govva: Johan Fredriksson / Guoddi

Guoddi

14.01.25

The project Guoddi represents a unique art performance as well as visual art where dance and music are sculpted through the expression of avant-garde duodji. Dancer and choreographer Ánna-Katri Helander from the performance Guoddi. Photo: Johan Fredriksson.

These elements, deeply rooted in the Sami craft tradition, move towards highly experimental forms of expression. “Guoddi”, a word from the Northern Sami language that means someone who carries, in this context becomes a metaphor for the role of the dancers. They wear body elements that symbolize pride and strength, but also the weight and burden that carrying an indigenous culture can entail. Guoddi is thus a central element in this performance, a bearer of cultural identity and history. Through a creative collaboration between designer and duojár Ann-Sofie Kallok, dancers Ánna-Katri Helander and Sebastian Björkman and composer Anthoni Hætta, a new and exciting artistic landscape is explored, where the body elements not only influence, but determine the direction of the other art forms. The composer and dancers draw inspiration from the expression, movement and temperament of the elements.

In the final product, music and dance are united in a way that elevates the avant-garde elements into a powerful, challenging and multidimensional performance. This performance is not just a dance, but a symbiosis of art forms that together create a unique and memorable experience.

Ann-Sofie Kallok avant-garde duodji can be seen in the Guoddi performance and as a part of the Dáiddadállu 10 jagi exhibition.

Visual art: Ann-Sofie Kallok

Composer: Anthoni Hætta

Dancers and choreography: Ánna-Katri Helander and Sebastian Björkman.

Make-up and hair: Ina M. Tretnes

Sound and light: Aira dance company

Thanks to jewelers Angelina Clerici

and Linn Fahsing, Esben T. Andersen,

Beaivváš Sámi Našunálateáhter,

Davvi Division, Hilde Skancke Pedersen,

Juhls Silver Gallery, Fredrik Prost

Supported by: Dáiddadállu, Dáiddafoanda, Arts and Culture Norway, Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Nordic Culture Contact, Jokkmokks Kommun, KUPP, Swedish arts council, recidency at Jillat Sámi dance center.

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Dancer and choreographer Sebastian Björkman from the performance Guoddi. Photo: Albinas Liutkus.