On September 14, the National Gallery of Iceland hosted a symposium in connection with the exhibition The Mystery of the Lumpfish and Other Stories of Fakes and Forgeries. The event took place at the House of Collections on Hverfisgata and brought together specialists and art lovers gathered to explore the many facets of art forgeries.
The program featured lectures by experts from various fields. Dagný Heiðdal, art historian at the National Gallery of Iceland and one of the exhibition’s curators, opened the symposium with a discussion on the background of the exhibition at the National Gallery, the research work conducted within the museum, and the public’s reactions. Other speakers included Ólafur Ingi Jónsson, conservator and curator, who explained the types of research methods used when there is suspicion of an art forgery; Vera Sveinbjörnsdóttir, lawyer and director of Myndstef, who discussed the legal framework of visual art and available measures for dealing with forgeries; Jóhann Ágúst Hansen, director of Gallerí Fold, who addressed the impact of forgeries on the art market; and Jóhannes Dagsson, associate professor at the Iceland University of the Arts, who explored ideas about the relationship between the artist and the artwork.
The afternoon concluded with a lively panel discussion, where speakers explored the impact of forgeries on museums, the art market, and society, as well as the ethical and philosophical questions they raise.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to an inspiring afternoon of dialogue and reflection.
📸 See photos from the event below!
Guests at the symposium
Ólafur Ingi Jónsson & Vera Sveinbjörnsdóttir
Dagný Heiðdal, art historian
Jóhannes Dagsson & Jóhann Ágúst Hansen
Jóhannes Dagsson, associate professor at the Iceland University of the Arts
Jóhann Ágúst Hansen, director of Gallerí Fold
Vera Sveinbjörnsdóttir, lawyer and director of Myndstef
Ólafur Ingi Jónsson, conservator