PARABOLA: Sound and Light Installation by Finnbogi Pétursson at Gerðarsafn

In the exhibition PARABOLA, artist Finnbogi Pétursson explores the physical rhythms of the Earth by making sound waves visible through water, light, and air. The installation features undulating ripples in water pools, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perception and existence within the natural laws of the universe.

In the exhibition PARABOLA, Finnbogi Pétursson makes visible the rhythm of Earth. The artist uses sound to create movement rather than resonance, causing ripples to travel across the surfaces of oblong water pools. Light is used to project the motion of the water upwards, making the frequency visual as waves meet, form patterns, and achieve moments of stillness. By using water, air, light, and sound as shapeable matter, Pétursson draws upon our innate knowledge of physical laws and the rhythms that govern our world, from the simple act of swinging a child to the flow of movement we intuitively seek to maintain. For decades, Pétursson has sought to give sound waves visual form in all-encompassing installations. His work at Gerðarsafn invites viewers to reflect on their own perception, their being in space, and their relationship to nature and the universe. The exhibition highlights the artist's ability to control difficult materials through the application of physical laws, ultimately encouraging a deeper connection to the rhythmic patterns that define our existence.

General admission information for Gerðarsafn Art Museum can be found on their official website. Please check the museum's visitor page for details regarding entry requirements and opening hours for the exhibition period through January 2025.