Expedition: Finno-Ugrians and the Power of Images

Finno-Ugric identity has been integral to Estonians’ self-image thanks largely to the interplay of art and scholarly research. About On the one hand, this has been encouraged by expeditions involving artists, filmmakers, and other creative practitioners and how they have appropriated Finno-Ugric heritage. On the other hand, it has been promoted by the work of researchers and museums. Why did Estonians have to travel so far to find themselves? And why did the ethnographic study of other Indigenous peoples become such a crucial aspect of Estonians’ quest for identity? In search of answers to these questions, this exhibition brings into dialogue the Finno-Ugric collections held by the Estonian National Museum, ethnographic drawings and photographs produced during expeditions of students from the State Art Institute of the Estonian SSR, and artworks, films, and designs inspired by Finno-Ugric heritage. Contemporary artists Karl Joonas Alamaa and Jaanus Samma have created their own interventions that shed light on this heritage. This exhibition stands in dialogue with the counterpart exhibition no beginning, no end: Decolonial Gestures in Sámi Worldbuilding (11.09.2026–14.03.2027), curated by Ann Mirjam Vaikla. Both are part of Expedition , a multi-year joint research project conducted by the Art Museum of Estonia, the Estonian Academy of Arts, and the Estonian National Museum that has been analysing Estonians’ relationships with Indigenous peoples and the impact of these relationships on the Estonian self-image. Curator: Linda Kaljundi Curatorial consultants: Eha Komissarov, Bart Pushaw Exhibition design and artistic interventions: Karl Joonas Alamaa, Jaanus Samma Read more Toggle Crafts Film / Video Prints Photography Mixed media Drawing Painting Installation