Words by

Gabríel Benjamin

@gabrielandmore

This week the weather has not been utterly horrid in Reykjavík, which hopefully is indicative for the weekend to come because it is one absolutely packed with wonderful events.
Saturday
“I’ve never seen figurative electricity”
The exhibition displays works by Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) along with new works by nine Icelandic contemporary artists. By highlighting abstract works from the later period of his career, the exhibition seeks to shed light on similarities found in work. of contemporary art today. Artists, in addition to Ásmundur, include Áslaug Í. K. Friðjónsdóttir, Baldur Geir Bragason, Björk Viggósdóttir, Hrafnhildur Halldórsdóttir, Ingunn Fjóla Ingþórsdóttir, Ragnar Már Nikulásson, Sólveig Einarsdóttir, Þór Sigurþórsson and Þurý – Þuríður Rós Sigurþórsdóttir.
-Ásmundarsafn, January 18 to April 27, 1,300 ISK
DJ Flugvél og Geimskip
DJ Flugvél og Geimskip (“DJ Airplane And Spaceship”) delivers refreshing horror & electronica. This mix of lively beats, cool bass, and singing, is about the wonder of the universe and the infinity of space. She counts Joe Meek, Raymond Scott, Suicide and Sumio Shiratori amongst her influences.
-Mengi at 21:00, 2,000 ISK but BYOB
RVK Soundsystem Reggae Night
It’s time for RVK Soundsystem’s monthly reggae night at Dolly, one of the capital’s nicer dance clubs. Expect to shake your rump like never before and give in to the slow beat.
-Dolly at 21:00, Free admission
Sunday
Sara Riel – Barabarrtré
This is the final day of Sara Riel’s new exhibition Barabarrtré (“Only-Conifer”). It challenges Icelanders’ habit of shunning conifer trees eleven months of the year, but then turning them into altars for presents over the holidays. The exhibit includes a painting of a tree with features of several different kinds of conifer, and shotgun shells filled with conifer seeds for aspiring foresting activists. Sara’s exhibit promises to leave you pondering what sort of balance there is to strike between Iceland’s wide horizon and further foresting efforts.
-Týsgallerí from 13:00 to 17:00, Free admission
Bach’s Cello Suites at the Chamber Music Society
This is an event that classical music fans can’t miss. Bryndís Halla Gylfadóttir, one of the country’s most acclaimed musicians who leads the Iceland Symphony Orchestra cello section performs three of J.S. Bach’s great cello suites, including:
No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007
No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008
No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012
-Harpa Norðurljós at 19:30, 3,500 ISK
Bonus: Outside of Reykjavík
Fresh Winds in Garður
If you fancy a trip out of the city, consider going to Garðurinn by Keflavík airport where the international art festival Fresh Winds in Garður takes place. A total of 50 artists from 19 countries travelled there and have spent five weeks in residence, preparing art exhibits, performances, live music and other fun activities. It’s not too far away, so go on, have a cultural weekend.
-Garður, January 18-19 & 25-26, Free admission
This is only a fragment of the Grapevine’s listings. For the complete schedule, head over to our listings site. If you have events that you want listed, please email them to us at listings@grapevine.is.