Tomas Colbengtson
Photo by: Elisabeth Ohlson
In residence: March - April 2025
Tomas Colbengtson, winner of the 2024 Queen Sonja Print Award, is a Sami artist whose work examines the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities, with a particular focus on the Sami people. Born in Björkvattnet, Colbengtson’s art draws on Sami history and collective memory. His printmaking often employs materials that cast shadows, reflecting themes of visibility, loss, and resilience within indigenous cultures.
Colbengtson is a lecturer and curator who co-founded the Sámi artist residency Sapmi Salasta and co-curates the touring exhibition Arctic Highways, which highlights indigenous perspectives across North America and Europe. His works are part of several prominent collections, including the British Museum in London, the National Museum in Oslo, and the Sami Parliament of Norway.
During his Artica Svalbard residency, Colbengtson will focus on observing the environment and community of Svalbard. He plans to study the local reindeer population, incorporating these observations into his ongoing exploration of Sami identity and environmental relationships. His work continues to contribute to global discussions on indigenous heritage and its intersection with contemporary art practices.