The Republic of Iceland turned 80 years old this year. The National Gallery of Iceland, however, is 140 years old, having been founded by Björn Bjarnason, the district commissioner of Dalir, in what was then the capital of Iceland, Copenhagen, in 1884. At its inception, the core of the museum consisted of donations from Icelandic and Danish artists. The new exhibition, “Insight, Outlook – The National Gallery of Iceland in 140 Years,” recently opened, showcasing nearly two hundred works of art by around one hundred artists—the cream of Icelandic art over almost a century and a half. As noted in the exhibition catalogue, the exhibition is divided into four themes: Society; Images of People; Form, Lines, Colours; and Man and Nature. These four themes naturally overlap to some extent but works by artists who look outward—at the land, immediate environment, society, or the world at large—often provide new perspectives that lead to personal and societal self-discovery. Likewise, artists who, in their work, look inward, exploring the self, history, or cultural heritage, simultaneously open up a broader worldview. Well-executed and providing visitors with a large window into the fascinating world of art, the exhibition is held at the country’s main art museum located at Fríkirkjuvegur 7 in Reykjavík.
Reykjavík 17/10/2024: A7R IV – FE 1.8/20mm G
Images & Text: Páll Stefánsson
