IJS/ICE

The Icelandic art scene has garnered significant attention, with artists like Olafur Eliasson and “outsider” Roni Horn, who have made Iceland her central inspiration. However, there is much more to explore. It's remarkable to note the abundance of high-calibre Icelandic artists within such a small population.

While it's risky to overly tie art to national backgrounds, Iceland's unique landscape, characterized by whimsical volcanoes and weather extremes, along with its stark contrasts, undeniably influences its art. Art emerging from this context is characterized by its self-will, poetry, unexpected brutality, critique, excitement, and humor.

A distinct aspect of Icelandic art is that many artists reside abroad for educational purposes and exhibition opportunities, yet they maintain a strong connection to their homeland, often directly influencing their work.

In light of this, MDD curated a comprehensive Icelandic exhibition featuring a younger generation of artists, dubbed ICE, and cheekily scheduled it during the (hopefully) hot summer.

Another hallmark of Icelandic art is its cross-disciplinary approach. The opening weekend of the exhibition will include musical and theatrical performances by Raggi Kjartans (Trabant), Poni, and Bennihemmhemm. Additionally, the Belgian band Dez Mona will deliver a special Icelandic performance. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can enjoy more Icelandic music and videos in the Etoiles Polaires space.