Ingólfur Arnarsson
untitled works, 1991–1992
In 1992 Icelandic artist Ingólfur Arnarsson was invited by Donald Judd to Chinati as a resident artist, where he prepared the exhibition that later became part of the museum’s permanent collection. The installation consists of two paintings on poured concrete and a series of 36 graphite drawings on paper mounted directly onto the wall in one long sequence. The drawings, each measuring 8 1/2 x 6 inches, first appear to be grey rectangles. Viewed up close, the drawings reveal themselves to be made of cross-hatched lines that accumulate until the drawing takes on the impression of pure tone. The two paintings on concrete are small rectangles measuring 60 cm high by 50 cm wide. The concrete is covered with layers of white paint and has a silken surface. The corners have been subtly articulated with the slightest hint of color.
Ingólfur Arnarsson was born in 1956 in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he currently lives. Exhibitions include: Ingólfur Arnarsson, Safn, Reykjavik, Iceland (2005); Ingólfur Arnarsson, Center for Contemporary Non-Objective Art, Brussels (1999); Nylistasafni, Living Art Museum, Reykjavik (1988, 1985, 1982); Insight into International Contemporary Art in Iceland (curated project), Reykjavik Art Museum (2003).