Good Thursday – Curator Talk: Kjarval and the Contemporary

Good Thursday – the last Thursday of the month!

Curator Edda Halldórsdóttir will talk about the exhibition Kjarval and the Contemporary at Kjarvalsstaðir. In Icelandic.

Free entry, but registration is required HERE

In this extensive exhibition, the works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972) create a thread which connects different periods in time. His art is displayed along with the works of artists who have been prominent on the Icelandic art scene in recent years.

Kjarval’s most common and beloved subject was Icelandic nature and landscape, but he also painted many portraits and fantasy images where creatures and figures emerge, and various nature phenomena are personified. The artworks on display here are created in diverse media, expressing different approaches to these subjects. 

Kjarval plays a large role in the history of Icelandic art and culture, and he has been a role model and inspiration for generations of artists. His persona and life’s work surrounds us, for good reason. Kjarval’s work is preserved and examined at Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir. Selected pieces are always on display and diverse exhibitions show his career in a wide context, often with works from the museum collection or with special exhibitions that focus on particular aspects of his creative process. This exhibition places Kjarval’s work in a dialogue with the works of younger, contemporary artists. Thus, the exhibition invites us to become better acquainted with one of the greatest Icelandic artists, but also the works of prominent contemporary artists who have made their mark on the Icelandic and international art scene. 

Curators: Edda Halldórsdóttir, Markús Þór Andrésson and Ólöf K. Sigurðardóttir.

Klambrar Bistro open until 22h00.

Number of museums and exhibition spaces in Reykjavik city center offer extended opening hours on the last Thursday of June, July and August. Stroll around and explore a variety of art exhibitions, check out artist’s studios, visit artist-run spaces, galleries and museums – and experience the lively art scene in the city center!