To read and keep, or to colour and tear to pieces. The newly published book, Allt of kalt?, is a collaborative work between an artist and a reader. This collaboration became the inspiration for an exhibition of the same name, which is on display at the Litla Gallerý in Hafnarfjörður from 14 to 23 December.
16 images and lines of poetry by Sigtý Ægi Kárason were created in a reverse illustration process. First came the images, and then the text followed. The images were drawn as a meditation and an exercise in gratitude for the beauty and resilience of the humble in our natural environment, while each line of poetry is then inspired by a single image. Together, the lines form a single poem that is both dark and hopeful, small yet weighty.
The delightfully minimalist images show small natural scenes: mushrooms and moss, leaves and twigs. The subject matter doesn't demand much attention, but is nonetheless captivating as you crouch down by the pavement or lie on the grass.
On display is a single book, from which 16 pages have been carefully detached and framed. Beside each image is a palette of colours, which visitors are welcome to use. Visitors to the exhibition can admire the works as they are, or step a little closer and add their own colour to the glass that separates them from the image.
This fleeting interaction between visitor and work is intended to be an enjoyable respite from the seasonal darkness we will experience in the coming months, a reminder of the work we will all need to do to get through it, and a token of our gratitude to those who endure it with us.
Sigtýr Ægir Kárason (he/they) is a proud brown-skinned Icelandic person, a queer and neurodivergent artist; driven by curiosity, creativity and tolerance. They are currently working and studying in Iceland.
After completing secondary school with a focus on visual arts, design and ecology, they went on to study archaeology at the University of Iceland, graphic design (at the Iceland Academy of the Arts), but will graduate with a BA in Architecture from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in the spring of 2024.
Special thanks to Tíra Ljómandi accessories for supporting this exhibition and making town residents visible on the darkest days of the year with its reflectiveness, and to Rebekka Rún for being the inspiration for the book Allt of kalt?
The exhibition opening will be on Thursday, 14th December from 18:00-20:00, and all are welcome!
To be read and stored, or coloured in and cut into pieces. The newly published book Allt of kalt? exists as a collaboration between the artist and the reader. This collaborative element was what inspired the interactive format of an upcoming exhibition of the same name, Allt of kalt? or Far too cold?, which will open at Litla Gallerý in Hafnarfjörður on 14 December.
16 original and moody illustrations by artist and designer Sigtýr Ægir Kárason came to be in a dark exercise of reversed illustration. The images were drawn as a sort of meditation on the beauty and endurance of seemingly subtle natural elements. The illustrations were not inspired by the text; the text was inspired by the illustrations. Each drawing allowed for the creation of a corresponding line of poetry. Strung together, these lines create a single poem scattered throughout the pages of this book. Like the illustrations, it is dark but hopeful, small but heavy.
The cheerfully minimal drawings depict miniature nature scenes, mushrooms and moss, leaves and twigs. Subject matter that is not striking until approached by squatting on the pavement or lying down in the grass.
For the upcoming exhibition at Litla Gallerý, one book has been carefully torn apart. Each page, separated from the next, has been framed, displayed in glass and paired with an assortment of colouring tools. Guests of the exhibition are free to stand back and enjoy, or step into a piece and colour it as they see fit.
The temporary interaction guests can have with the pieces, colouring in the moody illustrations, is meant to be an uplifting break from the seasonal darkness we will have to face for the next few months. It is a reminder of the effort needed to push through the darkness and an expression of thanks to those who push through alongside us.
Sigtýr Ægir Kárason (he/they) is a proud black, queer and neurodivergent artist –guided by curiosity, creativity and kindness– currently working and studying in Iceland.
After focusing on the visual arts, design and ecology at a junior college, they went on to university studies in archaeology (The University of Iceland) and visual communication (The Icelandic University of the Arts), and are set to graduate with a BA in architecture from The Icelandic University of the Arts in the spring of 2024.
Special thanks to Tíra Radiant Accessories for sponsoring this show and continuing to brighten our darkest months with their reflective designs, and to Rebekka Rún for inspiring the book Allt of kalt?
The exhibition opening will be on Thursday, 14th December from 18:00-21:00 and everyone is welcome!
Other opening hours:
Friday 15th December 15:00-20:00
Saturday 16th December 13:00-18:00
Sunday 17th December 13:00-18:00
Tuesday-Thursday, 19th-21st December, 13:00-18:00
Friday 22nd December 15:00-20:00
Saturday 23rd December 13:00-22:00
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