In this episode we speak with Sigurður Guðmundsson, Artist and co-founder of the international contemporary art museum ARS LONGA, initiated with Þór Vigfússon & Ineke Guðmundsson in 2021 and based in Djúpivogur. We talk about the upcoming summer show that is to open at ARS LONGA on the 8th of July, summer 2023. Sigurður tells us stories spanning his career, plays some symphonies that resonate with different periods in his life, including legendary SÚM group initiatives back in the 70’s and unpacks some of his unique conceptual ideology, both in life and art-making.

ARS LONGA strives to be a leading venue for international contemporary art in Iceland with progressive exhibitions and seeks to strengthen connections and collaboration with artists and professionals through dynamic activities. ARS LONGA’s mission is to collect artworks by Icelandic and international artists, but Sigurður Guðmundsson’s art donation of twenty-seven works is the basis for the collection.

In the mid sixties, a group of young artists founded the SÚM group which broke with tradition and introduced a new approach to the Icelandic art world. Back then, the newly founded group of artists had varied and different practices in art, however, were unified in the making of public art and interventions. Sigurður Guðmundsson is one of the founding members of SÚM. 

Cover image courtesy of the artist, and i8 Gallery, Reykjavík.

Sigurður Guðmundsson, COLLAGE (1979)

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Created by the Icelandic Art Center, Out There brings co-hosts Becky Forsythe @beforsythe and Þórhildur Tinna Sigurðardóttir @tindilfaetta in conversation with artists, curators and art professionals at the @101liveradio.​​​​​​​​

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