Artists condemn Kópavogur for painting over public artwork

Kópavogur’s decision to paint over a public artwork without consulting the artist has drawn criticism from the Federation of Icelandic Artists, mbl.is reported Wednesday. The federation says the move was unacceptable and may breach the town’s contract with artist Theresa Himmer.

The work, titled Sólarslóð, was covered by an advertisement reading, “We are renewing our town centre.” It had been displayed on a wall in Hamraborg, beside a bus interchange and opposite Kópavogur Library and the town offices. The artwork is activated when sunlight falls on it.

According to the federation, Mayor Ásdís Kristjánsdóttir decided to cover the work without informing Himmer. The federation says a 2019 contract allowed the town to remove it after three years only if it could not maintain the artwork because of damage. The contract specifically excluded natural weathering, it said, and the work showed no signs of damage or vandalism.

The federation has called on Kópavogur either to restore the artwork or to hold a new, open competition for a public artwork, following the competition rules of the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists. It also urged the town to review how it makes decisions about public art and ensure that future decisions are transparent and made in consultation with artists and relevant cultural bodies.

The federation said public artworks are important cultural assets that make art accessible and contribute to people’s everyday surroundings. It added that decisions about their treatment, preservation or alteration should be based on professional assessment.