KINGDOM – Flora, Fauna, Fable. Exhibition at Reykjavik Art Museum and film program

 

There an on going exhibition in the Reykjavik Art Museum worth seeing if one has interest in Icelandic contemporary art and its concerns. The show is complimented with a film program in June so there is doupble the reason to drop by the Harbor house. The show will run until September 18th and its curated by Markús Þór Andréasson. The content concerns questions regarding the relations between contemporary art and nature. From the beginning, art history has reflected human interest in the earth´s biota, but in recent times, people´s attitudes towards it have undergone a radical change. Scientific discoveries have gained us more insight into the smallest living units as well as the interaction between complicated ecosystems, and thus overthrown antiquated and accepted ideas. The prevailing idea of man as a dominant being, and other forms of life different from and inferior to him, has given way to the knowledge that all life is based on the same foundation. In spite of this, man does not seem inclined to give up manipulating life for his own ends. Increased knowledge constantly raises new questions, but also leaves room for uncertainty, faith and hope (or fear) of new discoveries around the corner, according to the release from Reykjavík Art Museum. The contemporary artists‘ attitude to nature is to observe it in an objective manner, or use it as a mirror for the self and society. In both cases the interpretations can be fresh and ingenious and encourage creative thinking while at the same time provoking questions about man´s position towards his environment. Just as nature has been categorized, you can see different categories in the different approaches of various artists. For example, the research targeted approach; the allegorical; the aesthetic; or even surreal approach. Interdisciplinary ways of thinking have opened up a novel field, where art mixed with science, philosophy, science fiction and history plays a major role.

Artists participating in the show are from all walks of life as well as ones that have left this earthly existence with older works from the archives of Reykjavík Art Museum. The selection of artists gives an overview of Icelandic contemporary art and the show is worth visiting. The artists in alphabetical order are Alfreð Flóki, Anna Fríða Jónsdóttir, Anna Hallin, Ásmundur Sveinsson, Bára Kristinsdóttir, Birgir Andrésson, Bjarki Bragason, Brynjólfur Þórðarson, Daði Guðbjörnsson, Eggert Pétursson, Erró, Etienne de France, Finnur Arnar Arnarson, Freymóður Jóhannsson, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Gjörningaklúbburinn, Guðný Rósa Ingimarsdóttir, Guðrún Vera Hjartardóttir, Harpa Árnadóttir, Heimir Björgúlfsson, Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson, Huginn Þór Arason, Hulda Hákon, Huldar Breiðfjörð & Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson, Joan Backes, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, Katrín H. Ágústsdóttir, Kolbrún S. Kjarval, Kristinn Loðmfjörð, Olga Bergmann, Ólafur Elíasson, Ólöf Nordal, Ragna Róbertsdóttir, Ragnheiður Gestsdóttir, Roni Horn, Rósa Sigrún Jónsdóttir, Sara Riel, Sigga Björg Sigurðardóttir, Sirra Sigrún Sigurðardóttir, Snæbjörnsdóttir/Wilson, Sólrún Guðbjörnsdóttir, Stefán V. Jónsson, Unnar Örn J. Auðarson, Unndór Egill Jónsson, Unnur Andrea Einarsdóttir, Þórður Ben Sveinsson, Sigurður Árni Sigurðsson and Þuríður Sigurðardóttir

Film Programme: Man‘s best friends

Everyone has a story to tell of an animal that they had memorable experience of. The communication and connection between man and pet, farm animal or wild animal can become quite close. It reflects some unique wonder not found from man to man. Two films reflect this special relationship.

Grace of God,
Kristján Loðmfjörð, 2015 (43 min).

Thirteen individuals share their personal experiences with animals. The documentary takes place in the countryside of rural Iceland where the proximity of animals is a central part of everyday life and work. The film’s title reflects the Christian notion of animals being god’s gift to man for him to enjoy and use. With English subtitles.

Filma,
Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson og Huldar Breiðfjörð, 2012 (25 min).

A photographer travels along the south coast of Iceland in an attempt to capture an unforgettably image of the lighthouse in Hrolllaugseyjar. The cat Filma joins along. The filmmakers’ aim to document the artistic gesture, takes another course when the cat sets its mind on a private mission. No English subtitles, but international guests will enjoy the visual language of the story.

9 June – 20:00

  1. July – 20:00
  2. August – 20:00
  3. September – 20:00

Admission Free.