Public display for the first time at a new University of Iceland Art Collection exhibition
The art exhibition "Listmíla-tvö" was opened formally today, 22 September. This is a comprehensive exhibition of works owned by the University of Iceland Art Collection, spanning a long period in Icelandic art history, dating back to the abstract era, the New painting, SÚM and up to the present day.
A total of 70 works of art by 46 artists will be on display, featuring Icelandic contemporary art. These include works by artists such as Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Margrét Blöndal, Steingrímur Eyfjörð, Helgi Þórsson, and Guðmundur Thoroddsen; as well as older pieces by artists such as Þorvaldur Skúlason, Karl Kvaran, Guðmunda Andrésdóttir, Valtýr Pétursson, and Eyborg Guðmundsdóttir. Some of the works have never been displayed publicly before, such as the selfportraits by Þorvaldur Skúlason and a few paintings from the 80s.
The objective of the exhibitionis to give students, staff and the general public a chance to see the diverse collection owned by the University of Iceland Art Collection. The exhibit includes both famous works by our most prominent artists and works that have rarely, if ever, been seen by the general public.
The exhibition will be curated by Kristján Steingrímur, director of the University of Iceland Art Collection, and Æsa Sigurjónsdóttir, art historian and chair of the board of the Art Collection.
The exhibition will span five buildings: The Main Building, Gimli, University Centre, Oddi, Veröld - House of Vigdís and in the passage between the buildings and is open to all during opening hours on campus.
About the University of Iceland Art Collection
The University of Iceland Art Collection was established in 1980 through a large donation of artwork from the couple Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir (1911–1994) and Sverrir Sigurðsson (1909–2002). Since then, numerous artists and their descendants have donated generously to the Art Collection, and new works are bought every year.
The collection currently comprises 1,600 works of art but the core pieces are by pioneers in abstract art in Iceland such as Þorvaldur Skúlason, Guðmunda Andrésdóttir, Hörður Ágústsson, Karl Kvaran Valtýr Pétursson and Eyborg Guðmundsdóttir. Furthermore, works by younger artists demonstrating the emphasis of Icelandic contemporary art have been added in recent years and decades.
The University of Iceland Art Collection marks a unique position in the world of Icelandic museums, as it does not reside in an actual gallery but is enjoyed on a daily basis in the vibrant and dynamic environment on campus. Exhibitions are put up all over campus making art a participant in University operations and an inspiration for research and innovation.
