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12/10/2001

Confronting Nature

Corcoran Gallery Art, Washington

Icelandic Art of the 20th Century.

Superimposed on Iceland's rugged terrain is a resilient and independent culture, fashioned over the years by the nation’s descendants of farmers and warriors. While the forces of nature have always been a dominant theme in Icelandic culture, the perception of the magnificent and frequently harsh natural environment has changed over the course of the 20th century.

Confronting Nature: Icelandic Art of the 20th century is a selection of works organized by the National Gallery of Iceland featuring 18 of the country’s most celebrated 20th century artists.
On view at the Corcoran from October 13 - November 26, 2001, the exhibition examines a century of Icelandic painting and a country’s vision of nature.

Unlike its literature, which dates back to 1100 A.D., Iceland's fine arts did not flourish until the 19th century as the population was small and scattered across the harsh landscape. Despite the changes that have come with the 20th century, Iceland’s environment remains an inescapable presence. The works featured in Confronting Nature span more than 100 years and represent a myriad of artistic styles.

Iceland is a young landmass that remains in near pristine condition despite having been inhabited for more than a thousand years. The interior of the country contains stunning geological contrasts. An arctic desert, it is punctuated with mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls. Earthquakes are common and 300 geysers testify to the subsurface boiling temperatures. It is a habitat like no other on earth.
Whether an artist addresses the landscape in a mood of romantic idealization, realistically portrays human engagement with the land, or uses abstraction to express the essentials of this volatile environment, some form of confrontation with nature provides either text or subtext for much of Iceland’s art.

The exhibition’s curator, Dr. Olafur Kvaran, Director of the National Gallery of Iceland in Reykjavik, has chosen the 18 artists who best represent the succeeding phases of Icelandic art over the course of the 20th century, from post-Impressionism and cubism to Pop Art, Conceptual Art and a diversified post-Modernism. Confronting Nature illustrates that Icelandic art is not simply imitative of international trends but, because of the on-going dialogue between artist and environment, an art with a strong identity of its own.

"It is wonderful that the Corcoran can finally offer international recognition to this fascinating body of art," says Jacquelyn Serwer, Chief Curator of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. "Icelandic artists have invariably been influenced by some aspect of their country’s natural landscape, and this eternal relationship with the environment gives their art its incomparable national character."

Jóhannes Kjarval, Iceland’s most prominent painter, is represented in the exhibition by 8 canvases. His pulsating, densely brushed responses to waterfalls, sunsets and his country’s famous lava fields offer a compelling introduction to Iceland’s natural features and its rich artistic history.
The introduction begins chronologically with Thorarinn Thorlaksson, whose paintings were shown in 1900 in the first art exhibition held in Iceland, and continues though the recent environmental installations of Olafur Elisson and the video art of Steina Vasalka.

"Not every artist makes the land the focus of his or her work," explains curator Dr. Olafur Kvaran, "but the land is a constant presence that, no matter how internationally minded Icelandic artists are, has a profound resonance in their work."

October 13 - November 26, 2001

Museum Hours
10 am to 5 pm daily. Closed every Tuesday. Extended hours Thursday evenings until 9 pm except Thanksgiving. The museum is closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Admission
Admission to the Corcoran is: $5 for individuals; $3 for senior citizens and students; $1 for students ages 13-18; and $8 for family groups of any size. Children and Members are free.
Admission is free on Mondays, and on Thursdays after 5 pm.
There is sometimes an additional fee charged for Featured Exhibitions.

Location
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at the intersection of 17th Street and New York Avenue, N.W., one block south and west of the White House. Ramp entrance for persons with disabilities is located at 1701 E Street, around the corner from the museum's main entrance on 17th Street.

Transportation
Via the city's Metro rail system, the Corcoran is just a few blocks away from two convenient stations: Farragut West- on the Orange/Blue lines (take the 17th street exit) and Farragut North-on the Red line (take the K Street exit). From either station walk south on 17th street to the Corcoran. The Corcoran is also accessible by Metro bus, numbers:
11Y, 30, 32, 35, 36, 42, G8, P17, P19, W13

Parking
Several commercial parking garages are located within a short walking distance of the Corcoran on Pennsylvania Avenue, New York Avenue and 18th Street. Nearby metered parking is also available.

Calendar of Events / Public Programs
Check the Programs Calendar, or check at the Information Desk or call 202-639-1700 for days, times and registration information for all programs and events.
To order a free copy of the Calendar of Events or if you have any questions about Public Programs, please contact jhuggins@corcoran.org or call 202-639-1774.

For members of the press seeking information about the museum, its exhibitions, collection, and programs.
202.639.1703 / 1867
PR@corcoran.org

Contact:
Jan Rothschild, CCO
Sara Durr 202.639.1704
Shannon Burkhart 202.639.1867


Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
General Information: 202-639-1700
Toll Free: 888.CORCORAN

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