Scan Magazine | 2016 Culture Calendar | Iceland
A contemporary gallery with community spirit Listamenn Gallerí started out as a framing shop 15 years ago and has gradually evolved into one of Reykjavik’s most forward-thinking contemporary art galleries. Visitors will not only see the very latest in Icelandic art, but might also find themselves sipping coffee alongside the biggest names on the local art scene.
artists, and the gallery has become a place where they come to socialise – a bit like a community centre. They’ll often pop in for a cup of coffee and a little chat on their way to work.”
By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Pétur Thomsen
“At Listamenn Gallerí, we’re all about making art fun and interesting. You won’t find any snobbery here; anyone is welcome to stop by and see what’s going on in Icelandic art at the moment,” smiles Guðmundur Jónsson, the gallery’s owner. “Iceland may be an island of only 300,000 people, but Icelandic culture is incredibly dynamic. There are lots of young, talented artists producing some really fantastic work out there.” Listamenn Gallerí holds around eight exhibitions a year, mostly showcasing young Icelandic artists who are just starting to make a name for themselves. Such exhibitions often serve as the first 42 | Issue 84 | January 2016
step in their careers before they go on to have their work displayed in major museums. Winter exhibitions tend to focus on up-and-coming artists, while over the summer you are likely to see work depicting Iceland in all its splendour. This year kicks off with an exhibition of four photographers as part of the Icelandic Photography Festival to be held on 14-16 January. “We met so many artists back when we were just a framing shop, and eventually we decided to start inviting artists we admire to exhibit their work in our space,” explains Jónsson. “Over the years we’ve built such close relationships with those
If you like what you see on display, you can purchase the work directly in the gallery or order online via the website. The knowledgeable and friendly gallery staff are always ready to offer their advice and help you make a worthy investment. “High-quality Icelandic art is surprisingly inexpensive, which is why so many Icelanders have impressive art collections. You can buy work by the top artists for relatively little money,” says Jónsson. “Buying art always seems to put people in such a good mood. I definitely think it should be a fun experience.” For more information, please visit: listamenn.is