Vuoiŋŋat

synopsis

Digital animation brings to life drawings of the northern lights created in 1839 by French graphic artist Louis Bévalet in the Alta region in Sápmi, Northern Norway. Multiplying curves mark infinite spaces penetrated by the hypnotic yoiking of homeless spirits – Vuoiŋŋat – performed by indigenous Sami musician Ánnámáret, accompanied by carelian bowed lyre and electronic music.

The work is dedicated to the memory of the Sámi ancestors who were exhumed from their graves in burial grounds in Sápmi approximately 100–150 years ago in the name of genetic research that was carried out for racist reasons. Some of the remains of these robbed bodies have only recently been reburied in 2022 in Sápmi in the Inari, Utsjoki, and Nellim territories. 

Nordlys nord for Bossekop, 6 January 1839, 6:27 p.m. / Northern Lights by Alta, observation 16 January 1839, 10:05 p.m. / Northern Lights by Alta, observation 19 January 1839, 7:40 p.m. / Drawings: Louis Bevalet, Prints: Sigismond Himely, Publisher: Arthus-Bertrand & Co, Photo: Nasjonalmuseet / Ivarsøy, Dag Andre

biography

Marja Viitahuhta (b. 1979) is a media artist and filmmaker originally from Northern Finland, now living in Helsinki. Her award-winning works explore the layered nature of memory, identity, and commodified images of the landscape, often using documentary techniques and found footage. As a member of a working group convened by Sámi musician Ánnámáret, she combines film images with music at concerts and festivals.

film details

director:	Marja Viitahuhta, Ilkka Heinonen, Turkka Inkilä
producer:	Marja Viitahuhta, Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman
editing:	Marja Viitahuhta
music:	Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, Ilkka Heinonen, Turkka Inkilä
art director:	Marja Viitahuhta

contact

Marja Viitahuhta
marjamikko@hotmail.com