Exhibition Opening – Ásmundur Sveinsson: Art for the People

An extensive Ásmundur Sveinsson retrospective, Art for the People, will open in Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn, Saturday May 20th at 16:00. The Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Kristján Þór Júlíusson, will open the exhibition.

This exhibition focuses on Sveinsson´s sculptures. They are represented in an innovative manner and given a new context in the unique surroundings of Ásmundarsafn. Curator is Ólöf Kristín Sigurðardóttir, Director at Reykjavík Art Museum, and the exhibition is designed by artist Finnur Arnar Arnarson.

This occasion also sees the publication of a new and splendid book which throws light on Sveinsson´s career and his position in Icelandic art history from different viewpoints. The book contains numerous photographs of his work as well as articles about his art and his times. The authors of these articles are art historian Kristín G. Sigurðardóttir, art historian Eiríkur Þorláksson, Pétur H. Ármannsson architect and Hjálmar Sveinsson philosopher.

Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982) was among the pioneers of Icelandic sculpture art and one of those who introduced new artistic ideas to Iceland in the 20th century. Sveinsson´s inspiration came partly from Icelandic myths and folklore, but the society and technological advancements of the 20th century were also a constant source of ideas. Sveinsson´s work can be seen in public places all over the country and in numerous locations in Reykjavík. This is in line with Sveinsson´s view that art should be among the people and a part of their daily life.