TAKKUUK is a new immersive installation from BICEP, visual artist Zak Norman and filmmaker Charlie Miller that explores the lives, communities and challenges facing artists Indigenous to the Arctic Region. TAKKUUK will feature on the giant floor to ceiling wrap around screens at Outernet London, one of the UKs most visited cultural attractions.
Created in partnership with the charity In Place of War, as part of their EarthSonic programme, the installation sees the renowned Northern Irish electronic duo — otherwise known as Andy Ferguson and Matthew McBriar — collaborating with a number of Indigenous vocalists, including Katarina Barruk, Andachan, Sebastian Enequist (from Sound of the Damned), Tarrak, Nuija, Niilas and Silla. The music was recorded in 2024 by Detroit-based producer and musician Matthew Dear in Árni Árnason from The Vaccines studio, during Iceland Airwaves festival in Reykjavík.
The resulting demos, combined with additional field recordings taken by Ferguson from the Russell Glacier in Greenland, form the backbone of this unique soundtrack set to accompany the remarkable TAKKUUK visual installation which premiers on July 3rd at Outernet London, before touring venues and festivals across the globe over the coming year.
The initial spark for the project came when BICEP travelled to Greenland in 2023, in which they began learning about the various issues facing local artists and their communities. It then came to life over the following two years, growing to eventually incorporate a striking visual element shot by Zak Norman (who has previously worked on visuals for BICEP, Squarepusher and Africa Express) and Bristol-based filmmaker Charlie Miller (whose documentary work with In Place of War has taken him to some of the world’s most marginalised and remote communities.)
Across its immersive presentation, TAKKUUK sees Norman and Miller introduce each of the Indigenous musicians and their communities. In scenes from Greenland, Sweden, Norway and Canada, attendees will witness the impact of their changing worlds, giving us an insight into their everyday lives and exploring not just the direct environmental consequences of a changing climate, but also the displacement of people and the marginalisation of their communities — resulting in the erosion of ancient cultures, languages, traditions and more.
Through highlighting these individual stories, the project hopes to raise awareness of the existential issues facing Indigenous people across the Arctic region. TAKKUUK reflects In Place of War and EarthSonic’s mission to use music to tell the stories associated with climate change, amplifying the voices of Indigenous artists on its frontlines. Through their music, words, and lived realities, this project shines a light on the deep connection these Indigenous communities have with their environment, while revealing the challenges they face as their lands, languages, and traditions come under threat.
“Takkuuk (pronounced tuck-kook) is the Inuktitut word which translates to literally ‘look’ but has the connotation that you’re urging someone to look at something closely. The Arctic climate is changing rapidly, so in context of the larger project, it’s a ‘hey look at this, the adverse effects of climate change are obvious,’ but also, ‘hey look at how cool Inuit culture is’.” – Charlotte Qamaniq (AKA Silla)
“This is a global story, and we all have a role to play. Join the movement by pledging to one or more of our six climate actions, and become an EarthSonic Champion. Together, we can make meaningful steps towards a more climate-conscious future.” – Ruth Daniel, CEO In Place of War/EarthSonic. Read more at earthsonic.org/6-acts
“Creativity and music are both powerful forces that can shine a light on global issues that need to be addressed. As a trustee of In Place of War the Earthsonic project with Bicep and artists Indigenous to the Arctic Region was something we really wanted to support. The work that has been created will be showcased across the Outernet screens and I know it is going to have a real impact and look and sound beautiful.” Philip O’Ferrall CEO Outernet
‘TAKKUUK’ Tracklist:
1. Nuija – Sikorsuit
2. Niilas – Alit
3. Sebastian Enequist – Alloriqigit
4. Silla – Takkuuk
5. Tarrak – Taarsitillugu
6. Andachan – Aappoq
7. Katarina Barruk – Dárbbuo