Čitna Báffa is an interdisciplinary work by Sámi visual artist Máret Ánne Sara and choreographer Alexandra Wingate, bringing together visual art, choreography, movement and sound. The work explores an existential tension between an outer life shaped by Western industrial society and capitalism, and an inner world grounded in Sámi philosophy and Indigenous knowledge.
The artistic exploration began with SuoidneKaboom (2023) and developed into the performance Čitna Báffa and the exhibition Háhtešeatni doali dádjadit. Across these works, the artists explore how visual art and performing arts interact, influence and transform one another, with visual artworks existing both independently and in dialogue with living bodies and movement.
Rooted in Sámi and Arctic contexts, the project brings together artists from across the Nordic region, highlighting Sámi perspectives and creating encounters between audiences, artists and cultural actors. Čitna Báffa and Háhtešeatni doali dádjadit were presented at Festspillene i Nord-Norge in Harstad, while SuoidneKaboom was performed at Riddu Riđđu, Suialaa Art Festival, Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš and Sámi Beassášmárkanat.
SuoidneKaboom was collectively co-created by Máret Ánne Sara, Anja Saiva Bongo Bjørnstad, Anitta Katriina Suikkari, Li Taiga and Alexandra Wingate. Čitna Báffa was created with artistic direction and visual art by Máret Ánne Sara and choreography by Alexandra Wingate together with Máret Ánne Sara. Anja Saiva Bongo Bjørnstad, Ina Dokmo and Anitta Katriina Suikkari developed the movement and voice material and performed in the work. Ina Dokmo and Ululinannguaq Olsen performed in the ongoing performance installation, with sound design by Kristine Hansen and costumes by Line Maher.
Both works were produced by Alexandra Wingate. SuoidneKaboom was co-produced by Dáiddadállu Sámi Artist Network, andČitna Báffa by Festspillene i Nord-Norge.