Ásgerður Birna Björnsdóttir: Why do birds sing?

Breiðholt swimming pool, Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík
Fri: 13.09., 20.09. 14:00-22:00

Vesturbær swimming pool, Hofsvallagata 107, 107 Reykjavík
Sat: 14.09., 21.09. 9:00-22:00

Ásgerður Birna Björnsdóttir’s artwork can best be described as an intervention into people’s daily life. This is an audio piece which will be performed at random times in places where the source of the sound is unclear. Behind this lie musings on constant connection and the invisible, yet tangible, systems which increased technology brings. The mobile phone seems to live a life of its own. It plays an ever-growing role in the lives of most people and has us in its clutches through ringtones and beeps. When it rings, we often put everything on hold to answer it or silence it. Even though it’s only for a moment, we are forced to abandon our thoughts. We have become conditioned or addicted to this regular distraction.

Why do birds sing?  is a part of the exhibition Autumn Bulbs which hosted by the Reykjavik Art Museum outside the walls of the museum buildings. It presents a revision of what is often called public art, art in public domain, outdoor art or statues around town. Five artists present new works that appear in diverse and innovative ways throughout Reykjavík and in the common space that contemporary technology offers. These are performances, interventions and happenings of various kinds. Instead of physical sculptures, monuments, or other permanent environmental works, the exhibition Autumn Bulbs focuses on works that are more or less created in intangible media and manifested in the here and now.

Artists in the exhibition include: Ásgerður Birna Björnsdóttir, Berglind Jóna Hlynsdóttir, Curver Thoroddsen, Snorri Ásmundsson and Þóranna Björnsdóttir. Please, follow the exhibition schedule on the museum's website, http://artmuseum.is/events, and on social media. The year 2019 is the Year of Public Art at the Reykjavík Art Museum, and the exhibition is part of that context, along with more exhibitions, events and public programming.

The exhibition is supported by the Icelandic Visual Arts Fund.