Jake Sanders, Editor at Large, pictured with the Icelandic artists
Xiamen, China – The Chinese European Art Center (CEAC) is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition titled “Two – One or Two – Alone,” curated by May Lee and founded by Ineke and Sigurdur Gudmundsson. This exhibition delves into the complexity of human relationships, both in life and art, and considers the balance of togetherness and individuality through the works of Icelandic artists Arna Valsdóttir and Aðalsteinn Þórsson.
The theme of the exhibition emerges from the traditional Icelandic contemplation of connection—what it means to coexist while maintaining one’s own identity. This artistic inquiry resonates through the lived experiences of Valsdóttir and Þórsson, who share more than a creative journey; they are also life partners. While they create their artworks independently, their four-month residency at CEAC has led them to present a collaborative installation that weaves their individual narratives into a unified experience.
Arna Valsdóttir primarily works with video, drawing inspiration from her mother, Sigríður, whose passion for a Chinese television channel sparked a unique exploration of China’s natural landscapes and human stories. In her video piece, Arna portrays Sigríður as she navigates her later years, encapsulated by her childhood maps and a bilingual dictionary, finding joy in an imaginative journey through the wilderness of China. Arna’s work reflects her ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, capturing the subtleties of everyday life with a deeply personal lens.
On the other hand, Aðalsteinn Þórsson continues his ongoing project, “The Personal Collection,” which he describes as a compilation of the “remains of his life.” His installation at CEAC features a bamboo dome, constructed outside the exhibition hall, echoing the architectural principles of Buckminster Fuller. Inside this dome, he showcases remnants from his everyday existence—packaging and leftovers that embody his time spent in Xiamen—as well as future artistic expressions made with ink and watercolors on Chinese paper. These pieces symbolize spiritual records that explore the continuity of life and the cyclical nature of consumption.
Together, Valsdóttir and Þórsson juxtapose their individual works to create an installation that invites viewers to reflect on the essence of connection. As they navigate the question of whether to be together or apart in life and art, their collaboration offers a poignant commentary on the human experience.
“Two – One or Two – Alone” is supported by multiple organizations, including Muggur—a partnership among the Icelandic Visual Artists Association (SÍM), the Icelandic Visual Artists Copyright Association (Myndstef), and the City of Reykjavík—as well as the Zonta Club, Þórun Hyrna, and the Erasmus+ program from the European Union that bolsters education, training, and cultural initiatives.
The exhibition runs until May 24, 2025, inviting visitors to engage with the intricate interplay of individuality and companionship, both in the realm of art and beyond.
Aðalsteinn Þórsson & Arna Guðný Valsdóttir Tvö – Ein
Opening: 2025/4/26 Saturday at 17:00 Exhibition Duration: 4/26 – 5/24
Tuesday to Saturday 13:30 – 18:00
中国欧洲艺术中心
Chinese European Art Center
www.ceac99.org
