Iceland review - 2006, Blaðsíða 15

BoRRow soME ART?
Yes, as long as you have a kennitala, the Icelandic personal identification
number, the city library in Reykjavík offers you the chance to pick out a
painting, photograph or maybe a ceramic bowl and take it home. Since
2004, the city library has been lending out modern Icelandic art to the
public for a small fee, which acts as insurance for the library and also as
a down payment if you like your art and want to keep it. Check for the
“Artótek” sign before you start taking pictures down from the wall. When
you’re in the right place and you find something you like, look at the price
on the back of the artwork. If the picture costs ISK 30,000, you pay a
monthly “rental” fee of ISK 1,000. After 30 payments, the painting is yours.
In cooperation with the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, the city
library has chosen 250 artworks to lend. If a piece hasn’t been lent
out for half a year, it is returned to the artist, who can then choose
to show other works. All money goes directly to the artists. In the
same way the library supports authors, publishers and bookshops,
Artótek is a move to support artists, galleries and exhibition halls,
the hope being that Artótek inspires the public to visit some of
the 300 exhibitions that open every year in Reykjavík. EMF
Reykjavík City Library, Borgarbókasafn
Reykjavíkur, Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík.
+354 563 1750. www.borgarbokasafn.is
ToNE DEAF
You don’t have to be tone deaf to enjoy Icelandic indie music. Of course
this wind-swept rock in the middle of the North Atlantic has a raging music
scene: when you’re stuck inside because the weather is crap, what else
is there to do besides make lots of whoopee? Well, pick up that guitar
and make lots of music. Most of it is for sale at 12 Tónar, Reykjavík’s
headquarters for hipster music. Three of their latest picks: Jakobínarína’s
forthcoming album is due out in July. Think Joy Division, Futureheads and
Arcade Fire. Chances are you’ve never heard of Skúli Sverrisson. But this
part-time NYC resident is a legendary bassist, and current musical director
for Laurie Anderson, the experimental and performance artist known to
be Lou Reed’s partner. The Kitchen Motors Compilation hosts a mishmash
of musicians, featuring artists like Kira Kira, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Hilmar
Jensson, Skúli Sverrisson, múm, Benni Hemm Hemm, Mugison, Amina,
Slowblow, Sigrídur Níelsdóttir and former IR proofreader Paul Lydon. EW
For more information, log on to www.12tonar.is.
12 tónar verslun
skólavörðustígur 15
101 Reykjavík
+354 511 5656
12 IN REYKJAVIK IN REYKJAVIK 13