“Nordic Impressions” is up until June 8 at Scandinavia House – absolutely stellar show. Several of the artists are also representing their countries at the Venice Biennale.

 

Janine King and I toured this show recently with a Scandinavia House curator which added immeasurably to our understanding and appreciation of the work. Those Nordic artists are a quirky bunch, to put it mildly.

But even without an in-person tour, I highly recommend this show. Especially since several of the artists have been getting rave reviews for their installations at the just-opened Venice Biennale.

The show at Scandinavia House has been culled from a much larger and more comprehensive survey of Nordic art recently exhibited at Washington DC’s Phillips Collection.

This show features only contemporary works. Artists include Olafur Eliasson, Ragnar Kjartansson (video), Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter from Iceland but currently living/working in Brooklyn, Israeli-born Danish painter Tal R, Danish artist collaborative SUPERFLEX, video artist Tori Wrånes and Sámi artist Outi Pieski.

The show is up for only two more weeks so if you are into art and happen to be in NYC, I suggest you hightail it over to Park Avenue to check out. And if you have time, stop by their café for lunch or dinner. The Nordic fare is quite good even if the restaurant design and vibe is a little peculiar.

 

Scroll down for more photos and videos.

 

Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter from Iceland (but currently living in Brooklyn)

 

Outi Pierski feather installation

 

Olafur Eliasson – this is an amazing piece. Note how the photos are subtly different sizes. The proportions vary based on the size of each of these mini islands/stone outcroppings.

 

Tori Wråne, Video Artist – exploring trolls

 

Shoplifter Representing Iceland At the Venice Biennale

For the pavilion of Iceland at the Venice Art Biennale 2019, artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter has transformed a warehouse on the island of Giudecca into a multi-sensory, cavernous environment, made of her signature material: synthetic hair. titled chromo sapiens, the exhibition combines color, sound, and textures that immerse visitors in an audiovisual experience.