AN EXHIBITION WITH PEOPLE ABOUT PEOPLE
How do we see each other in society? Who are we when we’re not working, performing or producing? In a world that measures people by efficiency, output and economic value, nine citizens do the most radical thing of all: nothing. They simply exist. They are themselves.
CITIZENS is a living art exhibition by Kristján Ingimarsson, where nine individuals – each with a unique background – are exhibited at the heart of the city. Here, people become the artwork. The audience is invited to observe, reflect, interact, be curious, mirror themselvesand perhaps rediscover their own role in society.
The exhibition challenges our ideas about identity and citizenship, raising the question: What is a human being worth? And can simply existing be considered work in itself? It is a quiet but powerful commentary on our times.
PERFECT FOR FESTIVALS
We’ve seen that Citizens works especially well at festivals and events that want to engage localpeople directly. Whether it appears for one day or unfolds as an evolving exhibition, it drawsaudiences in through its unusual format and the personal presence of the participants. The mysteryof who will be in the box, creates a steady buzz of curiosity throughout the town. In the end, it becomes a shared experience that brings people together and strengthens the sense of community.
HOW IT WORKS
Citizens is a collaboration between KIC, institutions and, most importantly, the people of the town. It takes time to organise and build trust between the KIC team, the participants and the artistic format.
The exhibition is presented outdoors (or indoors if needed) in a carefully chosen area. It consists of 3–5 specially designed plexiglass boxes with integrated light, sound and ventilation. Inside each box, a Citizen from the local area is exhibited together with personal items from their home—objects that hold meaning and tell part of their story.
Audiences walk around the boxes, viewing the installation from different angles. Inside each box are 8–9 QR codes linked to the person and their belongings. By scanning them, audiences can explore the Citizen’s life: photo albums, favourite music, personal stories— even traces of where they come from. The exhibition goes further still, activating the Citizens in ways the audience does not expect.
PROCESS AND TIMELINE
The process begins several months before the exhibition and culminates in an intensive two-week period leading up to the opening. Every step is part of the artistic work.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The exhibition is highly adaptable. It can last 45 minutes, one hour or longer, depending on
location and number of boxes. It can be a one-day event or run throughout a festival.
Ideally presented after dark.
Video documentation:
Don’t hesitate to contact us for details about availability, technical requirements, costs, artistic development or collaboration ideas.