Gallery Helle Knudsen is pleased to announce that the TATE museums in London have acquired a work by the Sámi artist Britta Marakatt-Labba: Instängslad/Enclosed, embroidery and appliqué on linen, 35 x 148 cm, 2024
Instängslad depicts a landscape slowly enveloped by fog – a metaphor for loss and destruction. In this evocative scene, women wearing traditional red Sámi horned hats fall into dark mine shafts scattered across the forest. As they are drawn down into the earth's depths, the hats turn black – a powerful symbol of grief and longing.
“Britta Marakatt-Labba's work is a unique voice in contemporary art. Her detailed embroideries combine a strong visual language with an important narrative, and we are proud that her work now has a place in TATE's collection,” says Helle Knudsen, gallerist.
Britta Marakatt-Labba herself comments on the acquisition:
"I hope the work can evoke feelings and thoughts in the viewer, that it reminds us of our history and the importance of remembering and protecting what is threatened. That TATE wants to show this work feels very significant."
Detail of the work Instängslad / Enclosed. Photo: Hans Olof Utsi.
The work Instängslad / Enclosed in its entirety. Photo: Hans Olof Utsi.
The artist Britta Marakatt-Labba. Photo: Tim Kristensson