Hans Ragnar Mathisen

Hans Ragnar Mathisen (b. 1945, Norway) is a renowned Sámi multi-artist, both a visual artist and a writer. Also known as Keviselie, Mathisen, stands as one of Sápmi's most iconic multi-disciplinary artists and activists. Born just after the war, he faced immense challenges early in life. Fuelled by a passionate commitment to revive the Sámi culture and language that had been stripped from him, he dedicated his life to artistic and activist endeavours aimed at preserving and revitalizing Sámi heritage. His journey took him across the globe, forging connections and solidarity with other Indigenous peoples. Within the Sámi community, among curators and historians, Mathisen is celebrated as a superstar and a recent recipient of several prestigious awards, though his remarkable contributions remain largely unknown beyond Sápmi.

 

Solo exhibitions include Diehtosiiddas, Guovdageainnus (2015); Sámánok és víziók, Szombathelŧi Képtár, Hungary (2014); Woodcut, Husets Galleri, Aalborg, Denmark (2003); GOVVAMUITTUT, Sápmi, Tromsø Museum (2000); Sami Memories (traveling exhibition Folkakademiet Hålogaland) Røros October (2010); Arctic Perspectives, North Norwegian Artists Center, Kulturhuset Svolvær (2009); Phases- Faces, Portraits, Ája Sámi Galleria, Olmmáivággi (2007); Graphics & Watercolors 1973-2008, Gallery Brevik, Tromsø (2008); DON'T GO UNTIL YOU KNOW, LHL's 60th anniversary (Children's tube patients) (2003); ÁRRAN Lule Sami Centre, Ájluokta/Drag  (1999); Color woodcut Tromsø Museum (1995).

 

Group exhibitions include (Upcoming) Growth of the Soil, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London, UK, Le Jardin En Soi, Loft Art Gallery Casablanca, Morocco (2020);

Northern Norwegian Art Exhibition (2015); NNK Walking exhibition "12 fake sheets" in connection with the Constitution Jubilee in Norway (2014); NNBK Member Exhibition (2011); Birds/Lottit/Birds, Bei Jing Home (2008); Surgut Hanty-Mansy region, Russia (2004); North Norwegian Contemporary Art,Svolvær,(1998); The 2nd Norwegian Miniatures, Tromsø Art Association (1995); Gallery Gann, Sandnes (1993).

 

Hans Ragnar Mathisen has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and grants including Rune Brynestad's memorial scholarship, 2024 and the 2024 Cultural Council's Honorary Award. In 2022 he was awarded as a Knight 1st Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. Mathisen's works can be found in prominent collections such as The Norwegian Academy of Arts, Tana Health Centre (1980), Bjerkvik School (1980), Tromsø Airport (1981), Sami collections, Karasjok, Tysfjord municipality, Drag and Kjøpsvik schools (1982), Norwegian Cultural Council (1982), Troms County Municipality(1984), Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen (1984), Riksgalleriet (1985), Tana Junior High School, Sieidá (1987), Kvaløya High School (1987), Nordkjosbotn further School (1988), North Norwegian Art Museum (1989), RiTø, Troms County Municipality (1989), Tromsø Municipality, Sjursnes Health Centre (1992), Varanger Sami Museum (1993), Troms County Municipality (1993), Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen (1993), Sami Cultural Council, Troms County Municipality, County Council (1995), University of Tromsø.