Jóhannes Kjarval
Thorarinn Thorlaksson
Olafur Elisson
Steina Vasalka
Olafur Kvaran
Jacquelyn Serwer
...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: the exhibition examines a century of Icelandic painting and a country’s vision of nature.The works span more than 100 years and represent a myriad of artistic styles: the exhibition illustrates that Icelandic art is not simply imitative of international trends but, because of the on-going dialogue betweenartist and environment, an art with a strong identity of its own.
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