Reykjavík Grapevine - 15.08.2008, Qupperneq 32

32 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 12—2008
DESTINATION
You’ll find Ásmundarsafn, the Ásmundur Sveins-
son Sculpture Museum, in a unique building 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 Mediter-
ranean, traditional 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 notice
when you enter the exhibition area is how bright
the whole place is – light pours through the win-
dows in the domed roof, reflecting off of the white-
washed 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 interesting 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.
Pioneering
Sculptures
BY Zoë RoBeRT — pHoTo BY LeÓ STefÁnSSon
Fly and discover
/ tel. 570 3030
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