Exhibitions Opening at Kjarvalsstaðir – Kjarval: la durée & Tales of the Unseen

Two shows will be opened at the Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir Saturday 13 January, at 16h00. A new exhibition of the works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), entitled Kjarval: la durée, curated by Aldís Arnardóttir and the exhibition Tales of the Unseen, which shows the work of six Icelandic artists; Alfreð Flóki (1938-1987), Ásta Sigurðardóttir (1930-1971), Jóhanna Bogadóttir (1944), Kristinn Pétursson (1896-1981), Sigga Björg Sigurðardóttir (1977) and Sigurður Ámundason (1986). Curator is Markús Þór Andrésson.

Kjarval's work in the exhibition la durée in the West Hall is largely from the first part of his career, influenced by avant-garde movements. The breakthrough of the perspective was among the main characteristics of these art movements. Kjarval got to know these movements as a young man in Copenhagen, where he studied art and also in London, where he saw performances of Italian futurists that influenced him. He responded critically to these ideas and created his personal imagery.

The exhibition Tales of the Unseen in the East Hall is a collection of works by artists who have been inspired by folklore and fantasy, or created their own hidden symbols and forms. The exhibition is both mysterious and exciting and turns on the imagination during the darkest time of the year. Some of the pictures refer to known stories, while others have been formed independently in the artist's narrative scene. All reflect on human existence, communication, emotion and state of mind.

Elsa Yeoman, chairman of the Culture and Tourism Council of Reykjavík, opens the shows.

A comprehensive program is available in conjunction with exhibitions, guided tours, lectures and courses.