Illumination

Illumination is an exhibition of works by contemporary Icelandic artists inspired by stained-glass windows by Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975) in Skálholt Cathedral, Kópavogur Church, and elsewhere. The exhibition aims to consider places such as museums and churches, and the rituals that take place there: whether formal, casual or solemn, they clearly influence the perception and experience of the observer/participant. Gerður‘s window designs for Kópavogur Church are characterised by rhythmic forms and a colour palette which create a “shrine“ of flowing shapes without any overt religious symbolism – the aim is more to touch the observer at a universal, emotional level. “Ecclesiastical” or “religious” themes will, by the same token, give way to broader approaches, bringing out the universal human, spiritual, phenomenological or mystical character of the works of contemporary artists.

 Participating artists, in addition to Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1974): Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir (b. 1950), Erla Þórarinsdóttir (b. 1955), Guðrún Benónýsdóttir (b. 1969), Hekla Dögg Jónsdóttir (b. 1969), Dodda Maggý (b. 1981), Lilja Birgisdóttir (b. 1983), Katrin Agnes Klar (b. 1985) and Ingibjörg Sigurjónsdóttir (b. 1985). Curator Kristín Dagmar Jóhannesdóttir.