The scent of fear and the power of smell take center stage in Máret Ánne Sara's captivating installation at the Tate Modern. But this is more than just an artistic exploration; it's a powerful statement on Indigenous Sámi culture and the climate crisis.
'Smell is a language', says Sara, and her work invites us to experience this language in a unique way. As visitors enter the Turbine Hall, they are immersed in a life-size labyrinth inspired by a reindeer's nasal passages. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't just an artistic interpretation; it's a tribute to a scientific wonder. Reindeer can heat the air they inhale by a staggering 80 degrees Celsius in under a second, a survival mechanism in the harsh Arctic climate. And this installation brings that marvel to life, making humans feel small in the face of nature's ingenuity.
The artist, a former journalist and land defender from a reindeer-herding family in Norway, aims to shift perspectives. By scaling up the reindeer's nose, she creates a sense of humility, reminding us that we are not masters of nature. And this is just the beginning of a journey into Sámi culture and its deep connection with the natural world.
The exhibit is a multi-sensory experience. As visitors wander through the maze, they hear the voices of Sámi elders sharing stories and wisdom. The structure, titled -Geabbil, meaning 'smartly adaptable', is crafted with wooden poles carved with reindeer earmarks, connecting generations of herders. And the use of reindeer hides, bones, and skulls challenges Western notions of animal cruelty, introducing the Sámi concept of 'duodji', a philosophy emphasizing the interdependence of all living beings.
Sara's personal story adds depth to the exhibit. She recalls her father's transformation when summoned to the police station, his scent changing with his fear. This memory led her to understand the language of smell and our deep spiritual and biological connection with animals. And this understanding is at the heart of her art.
But the exhibit goes beyond personal reflection. It delves into the political and environmental struggles of the Sámi people. The towering structure of reindeer hides entangled in power cables symbolizes the constraints imposed by political and economic systems. The Sámi, semi-nomadic people of northern Europe, have endured persecution and forced assimilation, their language suppressed. And their sacred reindeer, central to their cosmology, face threats from the climate crisis, land dispossession, and colonialism.
The installation also highlights the stark contrast between Western power dynamics and the Sámi worldview. The Tate Modern's history as a coal and oil power station is a backdrop to the discussion on green colonialism. Nordic countries, in their pursuit of renewable energy, have clashed with the Sámi over the development of their ancestral lands. This raises questions about the true intentions behind 'green' initiatives and the impact on Indigenous communities.
Sara's work is a call for understanding and respect for Indigenous knowledge and philosophy. It challenges Western notions of power and invites us to reconsider our relationship with nature. And it leaves visitors with a powerful message: the rising temperatures and climate crisis are not distant problems; they are happening here, in Europe, affecting the Sámi and their beloved reindeer.
This exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in art, culture, and the environment. It offers a unique perspective on the power of smell, the richness of Indigenous traditions, and the urgent need for ecological justice. And it leaves us with a lingering question: can we, as humans, truly understand and respect the language of nature?
