Climate change in Iceland reflected in new exhibition

Internationally recognised Icelandic textile artist, Anna Gunnarsdottir, reflects her concerns about the effects of climate change in her homeland in an exhibition opening at Newcastle’s Timeless Textiles in February.

A resident of Akureyri in Iceland, Gunnarsdottir says people in the northern countries around the North Pole are very worried about changes to the natural landscape.

“Especially in and around Iceland, we are very much aware of climate change,” she said. “Our glaciers are melting much more rapidly than previously thought. The changes are affecting our everyday lives.”

Gunnarsdottir has tried to express her feelings in the extraordinary works represented in her exhibition, Sensitive Landscape: Details from Nature.

She combines traditional felt-making techniques with a contemporary, fresh approach, with a strong sense of Scandinavian and minimal art. Beginning with the play between light and shadow, the large sculptures and 3D wall pieces she has created are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Gunnarsdottir has gained international recognition for her sculptural work, exhibited in Australia, USA, Germany, UK, Sweden and France.

Sensitive Landscape: Details from Nature runs from 14 February to 11 March, with an opening from 6 to 8pm on 15 February