SÍM Gallery in Reykjavík Hosts "Ode to Joy" Exhibition by Open Group
The SÍM Gallery at Marshall Húsið in Reykjavík is presenting a significant new contemporary art project. The exhibition Ode to Joy (Óður til gleðinnar) by the artist collective Open Group invites visitors to engage with pressing questions surrounding contemporary society, community boundaries, and the lived experiences of conflict.
Exploring Community and Conflict in Contemporary Art
The exhibition centers on the European anthem and Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, using these familiar cultural symbols as starting points for a deeper exploration. Rather than treating unity as a static given, the works examine the tensions between declared ideals of peace and the harsh realities of ongoing conflict, drawing on the collective's direct experiences of the war in Ukraine.
Visitors encountering the installation will find that the works often take the form of "open situations." These experimental arrangements encourage active participation, allowing meaning to emerge through direct engagement between people and space. The collective aims to capture both visible and invisible losses—ranging from displaced populations to the destruction of cultural heritage—transforming these heavy realities into shared experiences that provoke reflection on responsibility, empathy, and the fragility of modern European society.
About Open Group
Founded in Lviv in 2012, Open Group currently comprises artists Yuriy Biley, Pavlo Kovach, and Anton Varga. The collective is widely recognized for collaborative projects that involve individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields. Their critically acclaimed international presence includes representing the Polish Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
The exhibition opens on Friday, June 5, at 18:00 at Marshall Húsið. To discover more contemporary art projects and cultural spaces across the city, browse the museums list or check out the map view on Musemap (musemap.art).
