A new exhibition, “I Choose Blossoming Women – the Woman as Symbol in the Art of Ásmundur Sveinsson” opens today at 5 pm in the museum dedicated to the sculptor on Sigtún in Reykjavík. At the same time, the winner of a design competition will be announced.
A large part of Ásmundur Sveinsson’s art depict women, from loving mothers to domestic laborers, from gentle creatures to fearless giantesses. They are signifiers of common sentimentalities, or allegories for natural phenomena or literature.
The works in the exhibition are selected from the entire career of the sculptor, giving an oeuvre of Sveinsson’s work from his early realistic rendition to a much stylized representation of his female subjects.
In the museum’s pyramid Sveinsson’s studio has been recreated, to give visitors an idea of his working environment in Sigtún. In a reading room, visitors can learn more about the artist’s life and work.
Today, Ásdís Ásmundsdóttir, Sveinsson’s daughter, will award the first prize in the competition. Participants were supposed to design an object that reflects the spirit of Sveinsson’s art. The 15 most noteworthy entries will be displayed at the museum.
The competition was organized by Reykjavík Art Museum, the Kraum design shop and The Icelandic Design Center.
