Katabasis is an ancient Greek concept meaning “a journey downwards”, or “a journey down to the world of the dead”. The concept has often appeared in ancient myths, where the protagonist faces their greatest adversity and must journey through hell to begin their ascent from the underworld. Katabasis also refers to the process of a person undergoing profound changes during difficult times.
This exhibition explores what 'katabasis' represents, both in relation to the changes people undergo throughout their lives, and the mental connections that remain after such transformations, and the forms they take. By working with the painting as a filter for forms that scratch up from the subconscious, it is possible to capture that which remains at the bottom of hell.
Heimir Snær is a practising visual artist with a BA Hons in Fine Art from the University of Cumbria and a Master's degree in Fine Art from the Iceland Academy of the Arts. Heimir began his studies at the MÍR Painting Department in 2021 and has previously worked in the set design department for television and film.
Heimir has previously worked on exhibitions related to ideas about the shadow, the solar cycle, dreams and prophecies.
There will be a special exhibition opening on Thursday, 5th November from 18:00-21:00 and you are invited!
Other opening times:
Friday 6 November, 14:00–17:00
Sat. 7 November 14:00 – 17:00
Sun. 8 November 14:00 – 17:00
Friday 13 November, 14:00–17:00
Sat. 14 November 14:00 - 17:00
Sun. 15 November 14:00-17:00
LG // Litla Gallerý is supported by the City of Hafnarfjörður for the event.
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Katabasis is an ancient Greek term symbolising a journey downwards or, more fittingly, “a journey to the underworld”. This term is a widely used trope in stories, combining with elements such as the hero's journey. This journey to the underworld is often used as a metaphor for the most harrowing part of the hero's journey, in which they must undergo a challenging trip through hell to emerge changed on the other side. Katabasis is also used as a term in psychology for a period of great change in a person that occurs during a difficult time in their life.
This exhibition follows what katabasis stands for in terms of interpersonal changes that can occur in a person throughout their lifetime and what connections are formed during this period as well as what forms they create. By working with painting as a medium to sieve and collect detritus of the subconscious, it is possible to catch what sits at the bottom of the underworld.
Heimir Snær is a practising visual artist with a BA Hons. degree in Fine Arts from the University of Cumbria and an MA in Fine Arts from the Icelandic University of Arts. Heimir began his art school journey in the fine art painting programme at the Visual Arts School of Reykjavík in 2021 and has a background working in the Art Department for TV and Film.
Heimir has previously exhibited works that tie into ideas about the shadow, the daily path of the sun, messaging through space, dreams and foreboding prophecies.
There will be a special exhibition opening on Thursday, 5th November from 18:00-21:00 and you are welcome!
Additional Opening Hours
Friday, 6th November 14:00–17:00
Sat. 7th November 14:00–17:00
Sun. 8th November 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Fri. 13th November 2:00–5:00 pm
Sat. 14th November 14:00–17:00
Sun. 15th November 14:00–17:00
LG // Litla Gallerý is sponsored by the town of Hafnarfjordur for this event.