Kirsi M. Paltto & Jouni S. Laiti: Litnát, lahka – Gently, Firmly

Kirsi M. Paltto and Jouni S. Laiti create installation art and sculptures at their workshop in Inari, drawing inspiration from duodji – that is, Sámi handicraft techniques and materials.

Originally from Utsjoki and currently living in Inari, the artists present installations and sculptures in the Caisa gallery, exploring universal human emotions: grief, intimacy, the need for closeness and affection. In their works, Paltto and Laiti use bark, wood and antlers, combining them with wool, textiles, rusted steel and other industrial materials. Through art, they also explore how people cope with challenging times, marginalisation and being ignored.

Kirsi Máret Paltto explores the traditional Sámi worldview and spirituality in her art: is there a place for them in today’s world? She also explores the themes of distancing, returning and restoration: is it possible to restore what has been lost? Paltto is also a writer, and her poems are incorporated into her works, deepening their message. Some of the poems are displayed as text, while others can be listened to or read via a QR code.

Jouni S. Laiti’s art explores the clash between the traditional Sámi way of life and the values of modern society. His works often explore the sense of inadequacy and hurry caused by today’s industrialised, hectic society. Through his works, Laiti contributes to social discussion and highlights the friction between nature and industrialisation. The works depict how natural habitats have been reduced as the result of human activity. In this exhibition, Laiti explores emotions of the human mind, such as the need for closeness. He also approaches the subject matter through humour and playfulness.

A guided tour of the exhibition will be held in Finnish Sign Language on Saturday 21 November 2026 at 13.00–14.00.

Description of the exhibition in North Sámi:

Kirsi Máret Paltto ja Jouni S. Laiti ráhkadeaba bájisteaskka sadjedáidagiid ja bácciid, maid vuođđun leat duoji teknihkat ja ávdnasat.

Paltto ja Laiti orruba Anáris ja leaba Ohcejogas eret. Soai čájeheaba Caisa gallerias báhkis ja čoarvvis ráhkaduvvon dáidagiid, maiguin guorahallaba olbmo dovdduid, nu mo morraša, lagašvuođa, lagašvuođa dárbbu ja ráhkislašvuođa. Báhkkái ja čoarvái ovttasteaba maiddái ullu, tekstiilla, ruston stálli ja eará industriála ávdnasiid. Dáidaga bokte guorahallaba maiddái mo olmmoš birge hástalusain, olggobeallái báhcimis ja oaidnemeahttumin gártamis.

Kirsi Máret Paltto gaskkusta duoji sisdoallan jávohis dieđu ođđa vugiin. Son guorahallá dávjá dáidagiinnis árbevirolaš máilmmioainnu ja vuoiŋŋalašvuođa, ja maiddái maid gáidama, máhccama ja máhcaheami – leago vejolaš máhcahit dan mii lea jávkan? Paltto lea maid diktačálli ja su divttat čiekŋudit čájáhusa fáttá. Divttaid sáhttá lohkat teakstan dahje guldalit QR-koda bokte.

Jouni S. Laiti barggut giehtadallet dálá industriijalaš ja hohppos servodaga huššás dovddu das, ahte mihkkige ii leat doarvái. Laiti oassálastá dáiddabargguidis bokte servodatlaš ságastallamii ja lokte ovdan ruossalasvuođa luonddu ja industriijalaš doaimmaid gaskka. Dáiddabarggut govvidit dan, mo meahci eallin gáržžohallá olbmo doaimmaid dihte. Dán čájáhusas leat ollu dáidagat, mat giehtadallet olbmo miela dovdduid ja lagašvuođa dárbbuid. Fáttat giehtadallojit dávjá humoristtalaš ja leaikkastalli vugiiguin.

Čájáhusas lágiduvvo ofelastin suoma seavagielain lávvardaga 21.11 dii 13.00–14.00.