NGV Melbourne to host Ragnar Kjartansson's major solo exhibition in 2026
On June 26, 2026, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia, will unveil 'Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy,' marking the first significant solo exhibition of the Icelandic artist at the Australian museum. This showcase will include eight new and recent video pieces that intertwine humor, music, and visual spectacle. Kjartansson, celebrated for his insightful yet humorous reflections on modern life, draws inspiration from literature, cinema, and popular music. Notable highlights comprise the renowned nine-screen installation 'The Visitors' (2012), which The Guardian has recognized as the best artwork of the twenty-first century. The exhibition delves into themes such as love, melancholy, masculinity, and repetition, all accompanied by an engaging soundtrack.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy'
- Opens June 26, 2026 at NGV International, Melbourne
- Features eight new and recent video works
- Includes 'The Visitors' (2012), a nine-screen installation
- The Guardian named 'The Visitors' the best artwork of the 21st century
- Kjartansson is an Icelandic artist
- Works combine music, humour, and spectacle
- Themes include love, melancholy, masculinity, and repetition
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- National Gallery of Victoria
- NGV International
- The Guardian
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia