Artist questions Kópavogur’s decision to paint over her artwork

Danish artist and architect Theresa Himmer says she is disappointed that Kópavogur covered her artwork without consulting her, mbl.is reports. The work, Sólarslóð, had been displayed at the Hamraborg bus interchange for seven years before it was painted over and replaced with information about construction in the area.

Himmer said she valued both the artwork and its location, where the movements of pedestrians, cars and buses inspired its imagined lines. She said she understood the work was not intended to remain permanently, but was surprised that the municipality did not contact her before covering it.

The artist said Kópavogur later apologised, for which she was grateful. She questioned why an artwork that had involved time and thought was replaced with information material, regardless of who created it.

Mayor Ásdís Kristjánsdóttir said the work was intended to remain in place for three years under its agreement, but stayed for seven. She denied that the municipality had breached its contract and said she made the decision about the artwork’s fate in consultation with colleagues. The mayor also rejected criticism from the Association of Icelandic Artists, which called the intervention unacceptable without professional consideration and consultation.

Himmer has lived in Iceland for 12 years and has an Icelandic family.