Ábifruvvá

Ábifruvvá (mermaid) is rooted in the hidden narratives and cultural conflicts resulting from the societal expansion and encroachment on nature in Arctic Sápmi. The piece alludes at our relationship with the sea and how this has moved from symbiosis to exploitation. The tape part of the piece consists of recordings of violins mimicking the sounds of sea-life (including whales) as well as old wooden and larger industrial fishing boats at sea. These sounds were developed from recordings made on and outside the island of Andøya in northern Norway. The opening materials is inspired by fragments and ornaments from old Sámi songs, which are gradually drowned out by the expanding storm of activity. At the end of the work this material returns, as the piece finally retreats into (potentially) calmer waters.