The Icelandic Art Center has now announced that Sigurður Guðjónsson, Iceland’s chosen artist representation at the 59th Venice Biennale (April 23–November 27, 2022), will collaborate with curator Mónica Bello to realize his project for the Pavilion of Iceland, which will be located in the Arsenale for the first time.

Mónica Bello focuses her curatorial work on the narratives of today’s techno-scientific culture and the way artists instigate new inquiries around emergent phenomena, such as the role of science and new knowledge in the perception of reality. Since 2015 she has held the position of Curator & Head of Arts at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva.

On their collaboration, Mónica Bello notes: “I am very enthusiastic about working with Sigurður Guðjónsson for the Pavilion of Iceland. His artistic practice intrigues me greatly because of the experimentation and unique aesthetic that he brings into material nature. In his work he succeeds to expose what hides behind lenses, optical instrumentation and scientific devices, revealing the richness and elegance of matter. These ideas inspire me profoundly and I look forward to accompany and support him as curator for this important project.”

Sigurður Guðjónsson says: “I am humbled and honoured to get the chance to exhibit my work at the Venice Biennale, and am greatly inspired by my collaboration with Mónica Bello. As we come from two different backgrounds, she offers a fresh perspective on the project and I’m curious and thrilled to be working together.”

For the Venice Biennale 2022, the Pavilion of Iceland will, for the first time, be located in the Arsenale.