Jimmie Durham
image: (c)Tryggve Labahå
Permanent installation at Sámi Court House at Tana, Norway
"A couple of years ago I was invited to make a permanent new work as part of the first Sami courthouse in Norway, in the town of Tana on the Tana River. I stayed a month making it, again perfect sunny warm weather, but the sun never once went down. I spoke with many people, again learned much that I’d not before thought of. Again saw how racism had made people (local Norwegians) dirty and stupid, proud and arrogant.
The opening of the new courthouse, and of my work, was attended by the king and queen of Norway, who received a strong lecture from the Sami judge. One is embarrassed in the presence of people who have something wrong with them: incontinence, extreme neuroses, etc. I am always embarrassed around people who agree to be subject to a king or queen." [full text here]
