Reykjavík Grapevine - 29.06.2007, Page 27

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You’ll find Ásmundarsafn, the Ásmundur
Sveinsson Sculpture Museum, in a unique build-
ing near Laugardalslaug swimming pool, just
outside of the city centre. Looking like some
sort of lunar space station, the large, white
domed building was designed and constructed
mostly by Sveinsson (1893-1982) himself and
was originally used as his home, studio and
an exhibition hall. In designing the unusual
building, the artist was apparently influenced
by the architecture of the Mediterranean, tra-
ditional Arab domed houses and the pyramids
of Egypt.
Today, the place is an art gallery that fea-
tures work by Sveinsson, one of the pioneers of
sculpture in Iceland, but also exhibits work by
other Icelandic artists. The first thing you’ll no-
tice when you enter the exhibition area is how
bright the whole place is – light pours through
the windows in the domed roof, reflecting off
of the whitewashed walls and ceiling.
Currently on display until December is The
Shape of a Line exhibition, which consists of
some of Sveinsson’s abstract sculptures made
from iron, copper and bronze pieces and rods.
The bizarre shapes are said to be inspired by
Egyptian art and history as well as Icelandic
nature, literature and people. For some interest-
ing gift ideas, check out the selection of casts
of Sveinsson’s work from the museum shop.
Also on display, until the end of the year, is
a selection of illustrated traditional Icelandic folk
tales passed down through the generations by
oral tradition. The best thing about the whole
place, though, is the building itself. Take a walk
in the surrounding garden and check out the
huge outdoor sculptures.
As the gallery is part of the Reykjavík Art
Museum, the museum ticket is also valid for
the Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir museums.
Ásmundarsafn
Sigtún, 105 Reykjavík, tel.: 553 2155.
Open 10:00 – 16:00 daily.
Admission: 500 ISK, free on Thursdays.
Pioneering
Sculptures
Text by Zoë Robert
Photo by Leó Stefánsson
“I like to go down to the old har-
bour. It reminds me of my youth
in Reyðarfjörður.”
Bóas Hallgrímsson is the lead singer for the
hedonistic punk band Reykjavík!