Experiment Marathon Reykjavik

Experiment Marathon Reykjavik, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Olafur Eliasson, is a two-fold project that expands the idea of experimentation and display. It comprises an exhibition made up of archives, new commissions and works that have not been exhibited before in Iceland, as well as a public event, bringing together leading international artists, writers and scientists to form a laboratory of experiences.

Experiment Marathon Reykjavik is a continuation and development of the Serpentine Gallery Experiment Marathon, which took place over two days in October 2007. During the opening weekend of the Reykjavik Arts Festival, the Reykjavik Art Museum presents a second two-day Experiment Marathon event on 16 and 18 May 2008. Many of the artists who are performing experiments as part of this event are also participants in the exhibition.

Experiment Marathon Reykjavik investigates our understanding of the world and how knowledge is built up over time, through experimentation. Three archives form the cornerstones of the exhibition. For each archive a site-specific framework has been commissioned to present the material. The archive of Serpentine Gallery Experiment Marathon (London, 2007) is housed in a structure designed by Einar Thorsteinn, with Teiknistofan Svalir; the archive of the exhibition Laboratorium (Antwep, 1999) is presented on a framework by Yona Friedman, whose own archive, presenting his influential architectural approach, comprises the third key display.

The project is a collaboration of the Reykjavík Art Festival, Reykjavík Art Museum and Serpentine Gallery.