A giant 1,5 x 4 metres ‘NO’ made a fifteen minute appearance in front of the Alþingi building at 14:00 today. The sculpture by Spanish artist Santiago Sierra is currently visiting Iceland as part of its world tour, which began on July 18, 2009 in Lucca, Italy and has been making its way through America, Europe and Japan.
To speak out against the actions of financial institutions over the last few years, Santiago chose the word ‘NO’ for his sculpture because it is a negation, easily understood and recognised the world over.
Following its stop in front of Alþingi, the NO continued today to visit a number of financial institutions including Landsbanki bank on Austurstræti, the old Glitnir and Kaupþing buildings, as well as the Central Bank.
Reykjavík Art Museum Director Hafþór Yngvason, who was in front of Alþingi today, told The Grapevine that although the NO has generally stopped in front of financial institutions on its world tour, Alþingi was an important destination too. He says that it’s important that politicians also take note of the sculpture’s message, as saying yes to the financial institutions also contributed to the crash. “They should respect the NO,” he said.
Santiago’s Films and Works will be exhibited at the Reykjavík Art Museum, Hafnarhús from January 20 until April 15.
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