Odd Marakatt Sivertsen – Nordlige folk

The Sami and Laestadian background is strongly present in the work of artist and author Odd Marakatt Sivertsen.

It has been said of Sivertsen's art that it gives us a unique insight into the inner life of Laestadianism. Sin and punishment were part of his strict upbringing in a Laestadian home by the Lyngenfjord. In his art, this is expressed through heavy and dark human figures that are almost at one with nature, in a landscape where sky and sea meet. The figures are in close contact with the sea and the earth, and thematise love, death, the struggle for life and ”the other country”.”

The shore was central to the fisherman's life. The beach was important for fishing, food, survival, farewells, parties and joy. Everything took place on the shore. It is the place where sea and land meet, which is why the shoreline has a central place in Sivertsen's art;

"Fjæra is central to the northern Norwegian tradition, and for me it's a sacred place. Roughly in line with sacred places in the Sami tradition.

Sivertsen is also the artist behind the world's smallest Sea Sámi gallery ”Kuben”, which was created in collaboration with architect Bjørner Bolle. Kuben is centrally located in the Sea Sami arena, the beach in Ysteby in Kåfjord. In addition to being a central location for the fish farmer, the Lyngen Line was the border for the Germans' burning of Finnmark and North Troms, and for NATO's strategy during the Cold War.

Sivertsen has also paid tribute to the coastal woman through a glass work made by Magnor Glassverk from a painting of the same name.

In 2013, Sivertsen published the novel With the sea in hand. The novel is said to be out of the ordinary, because no one else has previously portrayed the inside of the Laestadian community in this way. The novel provides an insight into the strict Laestadian faith with condemnation and punishment, the shame of Sami roots, but also unity, helpfulness and fellowship.

In 2018, Sivertsen published his second novel The colour of madness. The theme of this novel is also Laestadianism.

Odd Marakatt Sivertsen has participated in a number of exhibitions both at home and abroad. In 2007, he won the Jury Prize at the Northern Norway Art Exhibition. His art has been purchased by art museums in the Nordic region and by a number of municipalities and institutions.