The 12th Edition of Reykjavik’s Beloved Biennial Encourages Visitors to Slow Down

After a ten-day series of talks and performances, the artist-run event continues showcasing works by both local and international artists. Taking time to pause is a rarely valued need in today's fast-paced world, especially within the art scene, where fairs, biennials, and mega exhibitions create a nonstop cycle demanding constant engagement.

Reykjavik, Iceland’s coastal capital, uniquely inspires a slower pace. Its breezy calm flows through colorful streets and modest gatherings of vibrant crowds. The recent return of the Sequences biennial in October captured this essence of pause in a dynamic ten-day program.

Curatorial Vision and Theme

Curator Daría Sól Andrews chose the theme of pause after closely observing her surroundings. She explains,

“Here, we are more attuned to this idea of living slowly in the everyday sense.”

Daría, an Icelandic-American, reflected on the social implications of slowing down and considered the privilege involved in being entitled to rest.

Exhibition Structure

The biennial includes around thirty artists and collectives and is divided into three thematic sections. These explore the experiential, political, and natural dimensions of time.

Key Focus Areas

Experiential resonance of time
Political implications of slowing down
Natural rhythms connected to time

This event captures a shared human need to decelerate, reflected through diverse artistic expressions and social contemplation.

Author’s summary: Reykjavik’s 12th Sequences biennial invites reflection on the value of slowing down, highlighting the social and natural aspects of time through diverse international artworks.

Galerie Magazine — 2025-11-06