Swedavia's Luleå Airport is getting a new artistic installation in its departure hall. Behind the new artwork is the regional artist duo Johanna Minde and Katarina Spik Skum. The artists draw their inspiration from duodji, the nature of Norrbotten, and Sámi mythology. The aim is to offer travellers a unique art experience that reflects the region's identity.
"The art project is a fantastic way to highlight the cultural richness of our region. Through the art duo's own expressions, we get a depiction that not only enriches the departure hall but also tells something about the soul of Norrbotten. We look forward to welcoming travellers to an environment that combines art, culture and nature," says Stefan Sandberg, Airport Manager Luleå Airport, Swedavia.
– Getting the commission to create art for Luleå Airport is both exciting and meaningful. It feels fantastic that our art will have a place there and that Sámi history and the present day are being highlighted in Norrbotten – it's important to us, say the artists, Katarina Spik Skum and Johanna Minde.
– Art and culture are important for creating attractive and vibrant environments. We see this project as a way to highlight Norrbotten's unique identity and create a positive experience for everyone who lives in and visits the region, says Sofie Driberg, communications manager at Länsförsäkringar Norrbotten.
The design is expected to be completed in December 2025 and will contribute to an environment that reflects the region's nature and cultural heritage.
Facts
Johanna Minde She is a duojár and architect, educated at the Sámi Education Centre and the Royal Institute of Technology. She works in the borderland between the spatial and the tactile, where traditional duodji meets contemporary architecture. Johanna has roots in the South Sámi culture and grew up in Luleå, with connections to both the Bay of Bothnia and the Norwegian Arctic coast.
Katarina Spik Skum is a textile artist and duojár with a master's degree in duodje from Sámi University of Applied Sciences. For many years, she has worked with artistic creations in public environments, where duodje is developed into new expressions and contexts. Katarina has her background in the Lule Sámi culture in Jokkmokk municipality and a close relationship with reindeer herding and Sámi tradition.
Swedavia and Länsförsäkringar.
According to the press release.
