Guðmundur Thoroddsen Featured in International Exhibition at Oakland University Art Gallery
Exploring Twilight and Nightfall in Contemporary Art
The Oakland University Art Gallery presents an expansive exploration of dusk, twilight, and nocturnal themes through the group exhibition Nightshade: The World in the Evening. Curated by Dick Goody, the showcase brings together eighteen international contemporary artists—including Guðmundur Thoroddsen—to examine how shifting daylight transforms human perception and evokes the sublime.
Running through March 30, 2025, the exhibition moves across diverse creative territories, encompassing intimate domestic interiors, sweeping panoramic landscapes, ritualistic practices, and metaphysical reflections on spirituality.
Highlights from the International Showcase
The exhibition features works by an acclaimed roster of artists, including Amy Bennett, Dominic Chambers, Rosson Crow, Jenna Gribbon, Marcus Jahmal, Anna Kenneally, Ragnar Kjartansson, Hein Koh, Sean Landers, Claire Lehmann, Chris Martin, Catherine Opie, Alex Prager, Ulf Puder, Danielle Roberts, Salman Toor, and Austin Martin White.
A notable highlight of the presentation is the American debut of Hvad har vi dog gjort for at ha’ det så godt / What Have We Done to Deserve This (2023), an 11-hour, 5-minute single-channel video by Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson. Originally commissioned by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark, the piece anchors the exhibition's deeper dive into narrative and endurance.
Themes of Introspection After Dark
The transition from daylight to darkness often serves as a catalyst for heightened vulnerability, introspection, and awe. By exploring dimly lit environments and penumbral imagery, the featured artists invite viewers to engage directly with ambiguity, personal memory, and historical resonance. The works encourage audiences to step away from the familiar and enter a more fluid realm of imagination and suggestibility.
While local enthusiasts following contemporary art scenes in Reykjavík can keep track of broader international presentations involving regional creators, culture spots like Þula – Hafnartorg continue to connect local audiences with contemporary works and dynamic exhibitions. To discover more current showcases and contemporary culture spots around the city, you can explore the Reykjavík museum list or view the interactive Reykjavik map view on Musemap (musemap.art).
