May 16th - June 20th 2010 - Sites works by the German photographer Friderike von Rauch - Hafnarborg, the Hafnarfjörður Centre for Culture and Fine Arts, presents an exhibition of works by the German photographer Friederike von Rauch (b. 1967), who has garnered attention for her limpid, tranquil photographs of familiar and unfamiliar locales. Through her pictures, Rauch seeks to present unusual viewpoints on desolate and deserted places. She experiments with erasing the history and symbolic meaning of her sites, to render them as dream-like and timeless images. With extraordinary sensitivity, she coaxes the inner life from her subject material, using photographic technique and the natural illumination of each locale. This exhibition features some photographs that Friederike von Rauch took in Iceland during her stay at Bær, the artists’ residency in Skagafjörður. Rauch’s vision of the Icelandic countryside and environment is unique, and a noteworthy addition to the current discussion on Iceland’s environmental issues. This exhibition enjoys the sponsorship of the Goethe Institute and is a part of the Reykjavik Art Festival 2010.

Friederike von Rauch holds a degree in industrial design and is a silversmith. Her interest for the medium of photography started as she worked as a locationscout for the film industry. Her works have been presented in private and group exhibitions, most recently in Martin- Gropius-Bau in Berlin. Von Rauch’s photographs have been presented in catalogues and books, amongst them the award winning publication about Neues Museum in Berlin and the architect David Chipperfield.

Thursday 27th of May at 8 pm - Artist's Talk
Saturday 29th of May at 2 pm - Sites Workshop for children

May 20th  - June 20th 2010 - It's hard to be an Artist in a Rockstar body works by Erling T.V. Klingenberg
The exhibition It's hard to be an Artist in a Rock star body - works by Erling T.V. Klingenberg is based on the artist's life performance at Hafnarborg with the participation of many musicians and artists which will take place at Hafnarborg 20th of May at 8 pm. Erling T.V. Klingenberg was born in Reykjavík 1970 // Studied at: Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Halifax, Nova Scotia / Hochschule für Bildende Künste, Frankfurt am Main / Fachhochschule Kiel / Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts, Reykjavík // Selected solo exhibitions: 2005 I Exhibit Nothing but in a New Context, Kling & Bang Gallery, Reykjavík / 2008 The Klingenberg Case, Truck Gallery, Calgary / 2008 Artists on the Verge of Something II, Kling & Bang Gallery, Reykjavík / 2010 It’s Hard to Be an Artist in a Rockstar Body, Hafnarborg, Centre of Culture and Fine Art, Hafnarfjörður // Selected group exhibitions: 2008 The Idea of North, Dalhousie Art Gallery, Halifax, Nova Scotia / 2008 Dom Sztuki, Jurewicz-Arnardottir Art Foundation, Nikisialka / 2008 Frieze Projects, London.

Thursday 3rd of June at 9 pm - Artist's Talk
Sunday 20th of June at 3 pm - Artist's Talk and last day of exhibition

Hafnarborg is open everyday 12 - 5 pm except Tuesday and Thursdays 12 - 9 pm. Free entrance.

Two new exhibitions will be opened next Saturday 16th of January at 3 pm:
The End - works by Ragnar Kjartansson The Iceland contribution to the Venice Biennale
Prism - works by Ingunn Fjóla Ingþórsdóttir

The End - Ragnar Kjartansson
The Icelandic contribution to the 53rd International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia was Ragnar Kjartansson's work The End which will be exhibited at Hafnarborg in January -February 2010.  Ragnar Kjartansson, a self-described incurable romantic, whose multifaceted artistic practice is rooted in a tradition of acting and performance with an existential and absurdist sensibility that can be linked to artists ranging from Caspar David Friedrich to Gilbert and George. Kjartansson’s exhibition for Venice, The End, featured a tableau vivant of the artist and his model that lasted for the entire six-months of the Biennale, along with a monumental video and music installation. It was presented in the Palazzo Michiel dal Brusa’, a 14th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal near the Rialto, which has served as the Icelandic Pavilion since 2007. The Pavilion was transferred into a makeshift studio for the Biennale, Kjartansson relentlessly painted the portrait of a young man posing day after day against the backdrop of the Grand Canal. The young man modeling for him smoked cigarettes and drank beer, while clothed only in a bathing suit.

Prism - Ingunn Fjóla Ingþórsdóttir
Ingunn Fjóla Ingþórsdóttir (b. 1976) uses a simple, but effective way of shifting the viewers’ perception from the visual to the physical. By inviting the viewers to move around while observing they not only perceive with their eyes and thoughts, but with their whole body. Ingunn plays with the idea of the two-dimensional surface painting of modernism by creating an abstract world that people are able to enter.

Ingunn Fjola Ingþórsdóttir was born 1976 in Sweden but lives and works in Hafnarfjordur. She graduated in 2007 wtih BA, Visual Arts from the Iceland Academy of the Arts and in 2002 in BA Art History from Aarhus University.

Here solo exhibition "Painting Site" in Cuxhaven followed the grant in 2008. She has also participated in many group exhibitions such as "Flutter" in Start Art, Iceland, "Í grænni lautu", The Icelandic Printmakers Association", Iceland, "Aurora Borealis, Magnetism and Light", Spedition Bremen, Germany, "Hafnfirskir Myndlistarmenn 2008", Hafnarborg, Iceland and
"Íslensk menning er sérstakur hljómur", Kubburinn, Iceland.

She was awarded the Artist Encouragement Grant from Hafnarfjördur Council,
from Muggur and CIA Center of Icelandic Art all in 2008.

December - The Museum shop
Hafnarborg sells good quality greetings and post cards of pictures from the museum's collection and by other exhibiting artists. Posters with art works on are also available as well as books and catalogues as well as other applicable products made specifically for current exhibitions. Many books are on special Christmas offer.


The Globe of Goodwill 2009
The Globe of Goodwill is a beautiful work of art and a delightful collector’s piece, but its contents give it its true value – love and friendship. This year it is designed by the artist Hreinn Friðfinnsson and is called Touch. The globe is only on sale for the period of 5th to 19th of December and costs 4.500 kr and all proceeds will be donated to work for the benefit of children and other young people with disabilities. The name of The Globe is therefore symbolic of that which it represents.

Two exhibitions open Saturday 7th of November at 3 pm
The Selection - Icelandic Photographs 1866-2009
Where is the clock?  works by Davíð Örn Halldórsson


The exhibition Selection - Icelandic Photographs 1866-2009 is curated by the photographer Einar Falur Ingólfsson and was first displayed at the Akureyri Art Museum in August. The exhibition shows photos by 13 Icelandic photographers that dedicated their careers to photography. Those photographers are Sigfús Eymundsson, Nicoline Waywadt, Magnús Ólafsson, Pétur Brynjólfsson, Sigríður Zoëga, Jón Kaldal, Ólafur Magnússon, Vigfús Sigurgeirsson, Ólafur K. Magnússon, Guðmundur Ingólfsson, Sigurgeir Sigurjónsson, Ragnar Axelsson and Páll Stefánsson.

Where is the clock? - Davíð Örn Halldórsson
Davíð Örn Halldórsson (born 1976) graduated from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2002 specialising in printmaking.
He is known for his vibrant colours and unusual media in his work, but he paints on wooden boards with oil, spray-paint, and industrial enamel. The exhibition will include paintings and installation. He has painted many big mural pieces such as in the exhibition Rhyme, a combined exhibiton currently on at the Asmundur Sveinson museum - a part of the Reykjavík Art Museum. In 2008 he had a solo exhibition at Gallery Ágúst in Reykjavík and in 2007 he exhibited in New York and Reykjavik and took part in the HangArt-7 exhibition in Salzburg Austria. Davíð was awarded the most generous grant from the Dungal Art Fund in 2008.

28th of August - 1st of November - In Deep Water
The sea and the self-consciousness of a nation in Icelandic contemporary art.
This exhibition displays works by artists that have used the sea as an inspiration both as a natural phenomenon and way of life; the sea both takes and gives life. The works show the importance of the sea and how much impact it has had both physically and mentally on the nation. It is also a reflection on how our basic livelyhood began and still continues to be embeded in our language, thoughts, society and politics.

In Deep Water or lífróður (direct translation rowing for life) the title refers to a saying in Iceland and since the collapse of the banks this saying has been used frequently to describe the daily battles of companies, families and the society as a whole. The exhibition shows works by leading Icelandic contemporary artists.
The exhibition curators are Markús Þór Andrésson and Dorothée Kirch who also curated the Icelandic contribution to the Venice Biennale 2009, The End and the ''Stray Beacons", an art exhibition in four lighthouses around Iceland for the Reykjavik Art Festival in May 2009.

Art works by the following artists will be displayed:
Ásdís Sif Gunnarsdóttir, Ásmundur Ásmundsson, Birgir Andrésson, Elías Hjörleifsson og Ólafur Elíasson, Erla S. Haraldsdóttir, Finnur Arnar Arnarson, Gjörningaklúbburinn, Guðjón Ketilsson,Gylfi Ægisson, Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson, Hrafnkell Sigurðsson, Hreinn Friðfinnsson,
Hulda Hákon, Hlynur Hallsson, Ívar Valgarðsson, Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, Kristján Guðmundsson, Margrét H. Blöndal, Magnús Sigurðarson, Libia Castro & Ólafur Ólafsson, Ólafur Sveinn Gíslason, Ósk Vilhjálmsdóttir, Ragnar Kjartansson, Ragna Róbertsdóttir, Sigtryggur Bjarni Baldvinsson, Unnar Örn Auðarson

The exhibition is in collaboration with the National Film Archive of Iceland, Icelandic Centre for Ethnology and Folklore and is supported by the Harbour of Hafnarfjordur which celebrates its centenary this year.

28th of May to 7th of June – Bright Days festival in Hafnarfjordur
Hafnarborg actively participates in the Bright Days Festival in Hafnarfjordur.Various events will be held at Hafnarborg such as the artists’ talks mentioned already, concerts and treasure hunt.http://www.hafnarfjordur.is

30th of May - Treasure hunt for the whole family at Víðistaðatún
The museum education will extend itself to the sculpture park in Hafnarfjördur, Víðistaðatún, where one can find sculptures by international and national artists. The treasure hunts starts at 2 pm and is designed so that the whole family can participate.
Free admission.

31st of May at 3 pm Afternoon jazz at the café in Hafnarborg
The afternoon jazz concert series continues in collaboration with the museum’s café Maður lifandi. This time it is the singer and songwriter Andrea Gylfadóttir who will perform with Björn Thoroddsen on guitar, Jón Rafnsson on double bass and Guðmundur Steingrímsson aka Papa Jazz on percussion. They will play some well known jazz music as well as Icelandic one. Free admission.

Hafnarborg Newsletter April 2009
Thursday 2nd of April at 12 pm - Lunch Time Concert
Þóra Einarsdóttir soprano will sing some passionate arias by Mozart with Antonia Hevesi on piano but she is the pianist of the Icelandic Opera. Þóra did her vocal studies both in Iceland and England. She now performs at the Icelandic Opera in the opera ‘Primadonnas’. Free entrance.

4th of April – 10th of May - Weather Writing: Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir
Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir (b.1950) is known for her impressive works that interpret Icelandic nature in a very pioneering way. This exhibition displays her photos, video installations and paintings. The exhibition curator is Birta Guðjónsdóttir.

19th of April at 3 pm - Artist Talk
The artist Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir will have an informal discussion about her exhibition. Free entrance.
3rd of May at 3 pm - Weather discussion
Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir artist is, in her work, making an approach to movement and light in Icelandic landscape. She has been doing a research on patterns of weathering, of snow, made of quick shifts of weather and patterns. She will discuss the weather changes along with the philosopher Oddný Eir Ævarsdóttir. Free admission.



26th of April at 2 pm - Exhibition talk for families
Exhibition talk for children and parents around the current exhibition Weather Writing. Everyone are welcome and no entrance fee.

26th of April at 3 pm Jazz - Sigurður Flosason and band
The afternoon jazz concert series continues in collaboration with the museum’s café Maður lifandi. This time it is the well knowned  saxaphone player Sigurður Flosason and his band who will perform well known jazz music as well as Icelandic one. Free admission.

Hafnarborg Newsletter March 2009:
Current exhibition
21st of February – 29th of March ESSENCE works by Helgi Gíslason
Helgi Gíslason is one of the most known living sculptors in Iceland and one can find his sculptures all over the country. This exhibition displays his drawings, reliefs and other sculptures. The theme of the exhibition is an examination of the drawing and its purpose in making art. Part of the exhibition space has been turned into a studio for guests to use their drawing skills.
1st of March at 2-4 pm workshop for children and parents – free admission
15th of March at 3 pm Artist Talk
The artist Helgi Gíslason will have an informal discussion about his exhibition. Free entrance.

5th of March at 12 pm Lunch Time Concert with Diddú
Sigrún Hjálmtýsdóttir born 1955, better known as Diddú, is an Icelandic soprano and songwriter. She studied at the Reykjavík College of Music, and afterwards at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Diddú is a well-known opera singer but started in pop music.
The lunch time concerts have been held since 2003 and have been organised by Antonia Hevesi but she is the pianist of the Icelandic Opera. Free entrance.

6th of March at 8.30 pm  Stebbi & Eyfi
Stefán Hilmarsson and Eyjólfur Kristjánsson better known as Stebbi & Eyfi held a very successful gig at Hafnarborg and now they will return on Friday 6th of March. One hardly has to introduce them to Icelandic audiences since they are extremely productive song writers and lyricists. Tickets are sold at Hafnarborg at 2.900 kr. The CD „Nokkrar notalegar ábreiður'' released in 2006 is included in the price.

29th of March at 8 pm Tríó Reykjavík
Trio Reykjavík are Guðný Guðmundsdóttir violin player, Gunnar Kvaran cellist and Peter Maté pianist. The guest players tonight are Helga Þórarinsdóttir viola player and Richard Korn double bass player. On the program is a debut of Karólína Eiríksdóttir as well as works by Rossini and the Trout Quintet by Schubert. Tickets are sold at Hafnarborg 2000 kr.

Sunday 15th of February last day of the exhibitions Icelandic Artists photos by Jónatan Grétarsson and Episodes works by Björg Þorsteinsdóttir
The following Sunday will be the last day of the exhibitions Icelandic Artists and Episodes. The exhibition Icelandic Artists displays 40 portrait photos by a young photographer Jónatan Grétarsson. Icelandic artists is an ambitious and long term project where Jónatan is documenting contemporary Icelandic artists. Jónatan uses the contrast between black and white to depict these artists in an impressive photo.
The exhibition Episodes works by Björg Þorsteinsdóttir displays both paintings and drawings, where the artist combines materials and techniques using methods such as shibori technique on Japanese paper as well as drawings on paper sculptures and reliefs.
The exhibitions have had good reviews and have had good attentened.

Hafnarborg is open everyday except Tuesday from 11-17, Thursday 11-21. NO ADMISSION. Tel. 5855790. For further information look at our website www.hafnarborg.is

Remember that our café is run by Maður lifandi! www.madurlifandi.is

Hafnarborg Newsletter February 2009:

5th of February at 12 pm Lunch Time Concert Dark Side of the Baritone
Alex Ashworth was a Choral Scholar at St John‘s College, Cambridge, before winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music where he studied with Mark Wildman, Clara Taylor and Julius Drake. Since leaving the Academy, he has worked with some of Britain‘s main houses, including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera. He has also made his debut for Lille Opera and The Icelandic Opera.
The lunch time concerts have been held since 2003 and have been organised by Antonia Hevesi but she is the pianist of the Icelandic Opera. Free entrance.

7. – 13th of February Dark Music Days at Hafnarborg
Dark Music Days are held yearly and organised by The Icelandic Composers Union. The concerts are held in several places and five of them are held at Hafnarborg. The program consists of very diverse music and includes very talented musicians both Icelandic and foreign, such as Tinna Þorsteinsdóttir, Frank Arnink, Rannveig Fríða Bragadóttir, Julia Tinhof, Charles Ross’ band and Sigurður Flosason and band. To see more detailed program visit our website www.hafnarborg.is or www.listir.is/myrkir/English ticket prices are 1500 kr except the lunch time concert on the 10th is 1000 kr.

8th of February at 3 pm Art Talk
The artist Björg Þorsteinsdóttir will have an informal discussion about her exhibition Episodes. On display are new paintings and drawings, where the artist combines materials and techniques using methods such as shibori technique on Japanese paper as well as drawings on paper sculptures and reliefs.
Free entrance.

21st of February – 29th of March EXISTENCE works by Helgi Gíslason
Existence – an objective reality is the superscription of Helgi Gíslason’s exhibition. He is one of the most known living sculptors in Iceland and one can find his sculptures all over the country. This exhibition displays his drawings, reliefs and other sculptures. The theme of the exhibition is the examination of the drawing and its purpose in making art. The works reflect drawing in a very wide sense.
Further information on our website www.hafnarborg.is
Hafnarborg is open from 11-5 pm every day except Tuesday. Thursday from 11-9 pm. Tel. 5855790. Free admission. Our café is run by Maður lifandi which is renowned for their healthy dishes and cakes.

The exhibitions Icelandic Artists - photos by Jónatan Grétarsson and Episodes works by Björg Þorsteinsdóttir were opened at Hafnarborg, Hafnarfjordur Centre of Culture and Fine Art Saturday 10th of January at 3pm. The exhibitions run to 15th of February 2009.

Jónatan Grétarsson is a young photographer who has this last year taken photos of Icelandic artists. The exhibition consists of 40 portraits of well known contemporary artists from all aspects of the arts. They depict an interesting view on lots of artists who have an effect on their contemporaries. Jónatan is documenting contemporary Icelandic artists.
Jónatan Grétarsson finished his photographers rights ‘Sveinspróf’ from the Reykjavik Technical College in 2002 then he moved to America to study at the International Center of Photography in New York. He has participated in many combined exhibitions with the Journalistic Photographic Society in Iceland and he has worked as a photographer for many magazines besides managing his own studio.

In the gallery on the ground floor are new works by the artist Björg Þorsteinsdóttir. Björg is both a printmaker and a painter. On display are paintings and drawings, where the artist combines materials and techniques using methods such as shibori technique on japanese paper as well as drawings on paper sculptures and reliefs.

She graduated from 'Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík' in 1960 and as an art teacher from the Icelandic College of Art in 1964. She also studied printmaking at the same college and attended classes in drawing and painting for three years at the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts, as well as studying at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Stuttgart. In 1971-1973 she studied etching at the "Atelier 17" with S.W. Hayter and lithography at the École Nationale Supèrieure des Beaux Arts in Paris with a scholarship from the French government.
In the beginning of her career she devoted her time to printmaking but for the last twenty years she has concentrated mainly on painting with oils and watercolour. Björg had held numerous exhibitions both in Iceland and abroad.

Brothers Ómar and Óskar Guðjónson will entertain guest playing jazz during the opening.

Hafnarborg is open everyday 11-17 except Tuesday, Thursday 11-21. Free entrance, tel. 5855790.