The Symbolic World of Sculpture and the Artistic Career of Einar Jónsson / Earthbound Castles in the Air – The Museum Building and the Architecture of Einar Jónsson
Important note: This course will be held in two sessions - Wednesday, October 14, 5:15–7 pm Wednesday, October 21, 5:15–7 pm On the first evening of the course, Ólafur Kvaran will discuss Einar Jónsson’s artistic career, the history of the museum, and his philosophy of art in both an Icelandic and international context. He will also explore the world of meaning embodied in Einar’s sculptures from an art-historical perspective, as well as their reception in Iceland.
On the second evening, Pétur H. Ármannsson will present the lecture Earthbound Castles in the Air – The Museum Building and the Architecture of Einar Jónsson.
Instructors: Ólafur Kvaran, art historian and former Director of the National Gallery of Iceland, and Pétur H. Ármannsson, architect and Head of Department at the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland.
Date
The National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Íslands)
The National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Íslands) is the country's leading art museum, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Icelandic art from the late 19th century to the present. Situated in the heart of the capital Reykjavik, the museum plays a crucial role in Iceland's cultural landscape, offering a dynamic array of exhibitions and educational programs.
Founded in 1884, the National Gallery of Iceland has undergone significant transformations. Originally part of the National Museum, it became an independent institution in 1950. The gallery is housed in two landmark buildings in downtown Reykjavik: the main building at Fríkirkjuvegur, a former icehouse converted into a museum space, and a secondary location at Safnahúsið, the House of Collections, which held the first collections of the country when it was inaugurated in the beginning of the 20th century.
The museum's collection comprises approximately 15,000 works, focusing on Icelandic artists but also including significant pieces by international artists. This diverse collection offers a comprehensive overview of Icelandic visual art history, showcasing works from the 19th century to contemporary times. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, video, and multimedia art installations.
The National Gallery of Iceland showcases art from the 19th century to today, featuring key Icelandic and international artists.