Close Encounters with Iceland at Gallery M

The Close Encounters is an international exhibition that presents the artworks of ten artists. All of them were created during the SíM residency artist programme in Reykjavik, Iceland, and will be on display at the Gallery M in Opole from 29 November to 13 December 2024.

The SíM international residency programme has brought together artists from different parts of Europe to work on the majestic and chilly landscape of the island at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Sea.

The themes of their work include the phenomenon of melting ice and its multidimensional consequences or the impact of the climate change on the delicate balance of local ecosystems and human communities.

In the projects presented, the artists also analyse the way in which Iceland’s atmospheric conditions affect both individuals and the collective psyche. In particular, they speak of the changing weather patterns and extremes that result from an excess or lack of light.

The exhibition presents a rich repertoire of forms of artistic expression – from painting, ceramics and prints to photography. There are also video installations, poetry and performance art to complement this extraordinary tale of an equally extraordinary land.

Venue: Gallery M, 19 Powstańców Śląskich St, Opole
Vernissage: 29 November 2024, at 6 p.m.
Finissage: 13 December 2024, at 6 p.m.
Artists: Stano Bubán, Diana Čižmárová, Grzegorz Gajos, Magdalena Hlawacz, Aleksandra Janik, Nati Krawtz, Baz Laarakkers, Vi Reichel, Martina Šottová, Małgorzata Etber-Warlikowska.
Organisers: the Faculty of Art of the UO and the Municipal Centre for Educational Support in Opole.