The art group Hlutverkasetur opens an exhibition on September 16 at the same time as the exhibition openings in Kópavogur’s Library and Natural History Museum. The exhibition is part of Art Without Borders 2023, but Hlutverkasetur’s Art Group was chosen as the festival’s art group this time. The function center is an activity center where people can choose a suitable project in art workshops and on various courses. The works of the artists at the exhibition in Gerðarsafn are influenced by the sculptures of Gerðar Helgadóttir. There, soft and irregular sculptures are reminiscent of monsters. The works form a counterbalance to Gerður’s sculptures, which are made of hard materials and are fixed in form. There are a lot of talented people within the walls of Hlutverkasetur, and at the opening on September 16, Hlutverkasetur Art Group will perform in line with the theme of the exhibition.
Art Without Borders is an art festival that focuses on the art of people with disabilities. The festival was first held in 2003 during the European Year of the Disabled and has been held annually since then. The festival showcases all art forms and represents collaboration between artists. The festival is the only venue in Iceland that focuses entirely on the artistic creation of disabled artists and has created a unique position within the cultural scene in Iceland. More and more people are becoming aware of the value of the festival in society. By creating a platform, opportunities are created and paths open, even into new paths. By bringing together different groups and individuals, more and more doors and opportunities always open. The visibility of different individuals is important, both in society and in the social debate. Visibility has a direct impact on equality in all areas.
The festival has promoted collaboration between different groups and i.a. been in collaboration with art museums, working artists, theater groups and musicians. The festival has also contributed to the discussion about the image of disabled artists in the arts and the art of disabled people, among others. in collaboration with the University of Iceland, the National Museum and the Nordic House. Art without borders emphasizes that the art of disabled artists is valued equally within the art world as the art of non-disabled artists.
