Men

The exhibition People focuses on the position of men at the beginning of the 21st century and the changes that have occurred in their circumstances in light of the changing position of women.

The exhibition will feature works by four leading male artists: Curver Thoroddsen, Finn Arnar Arnarson, Hlyn Hallsson and Kristinn G. Harðarson. The works selected for the exhibition are in a variety of media, including video works, photographs, paintings, drawings and embroidery. In their work, the artists tackle questions about the position of men within the family, concerning ideas of participation in domestic life, responsibility for the family's livelihood, and the upbringing of children. The exhibition will also feature works that draw on subjects traditionally associated with women and their experiences.

The works raise thought-provoking questions about masculinity and potentially misleading messages from the environment and society. The main characteristic of the works, however, is the intimacy that can be read into the artists' attitude towards family and children, while some of the works also reveal an existential crisis.

About the artists:

Kristinn G. Harðarson (b. 1955) has, throughout his career, tackled a variety of subjects, most of which are related to social commentary. His immediate environment is a key concern, and a number of his works relate to his role as a father, his home and family life. He has often found a form for these works in media that have long been associated with women's creation, such as embroidery. Kristinn studied at the Iceland Academy of the Arts from 1973 to 1977 and undertook postgraduate studies at the Academy of Art in The Hague, Netherlands.

Finnur Arnar Arnarson (b. 1965) has channelled his ideas into photography, video works, sculptures and installations. He draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings and has created works where his family is the subject, but he has also created works in collaboration with his family. Finn studied at the Department of Multimedia at the Iceland Academy of the Arts from 1987 to 1991. Alongside his work in visual art, he has designed sets for the theatre and exhibitions for various cultural history museums.

Hlynur Hallsson (b. 1968) has attracted attention for works that address social issues and politics in a broad context, and his work often deals with communication, understanding, relationships, politics and everyday objects. Hlynur studied at the Akureyri School of Art and the Department of Multimedia at the Iceland Academy of the Arts before going on to postgraduate studies in Germany, where he obtained his master's degree in 1997. Hlynur has served in the Althingi and held positions of trust for artists. He is now the director of the Akureyri Art Museum.

Curver Thoroddsen (b. 1976) is known for performances and other artworks where art and everyday activities merge. His works often take place outside of traditional exhibition spaces or in gallery spaces which he transforms into his home. Curver studied fine art at the Iceland Academy of the Arts and at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where he completed his MFA in 2009. As well as practising fine art, Curver has been an active musician, notably with Ghostigital.

The curator is Ólöf K. Sigurðardóttir.

Programme in connection with the exhibition: 

Sunday 29 March at 3 p.m. 
Artist's Talk – Hlynur Hallsson
Thursday 2 April at 3 p.m.
Artist's Talk – Kristinn G. Harðarson
Saturday 18 April at 2 pm
Round table – A symposium on the exhibition MENN, in collaboration with the Research Institute for the Study of Gender Equality at the University of Iceland (RIKK).
Sunday 3 May at 3 pm
Artist's Talk – Finnur Arnar Arnarson
Thursday 7 May at 8 pm
Artist's Talk – Curver Thoroddsen