Thora Gunnarsdottir

My work for Draakon Gallerii in Tallinn, Estonia is called "Waiting for a Chinook". It is inspired by a weather phenomena when a sudden gust of wind rushes down a steep mountain and subsequently warms drastically.

Thora Gunnarsdottir´s works evolve around physical and psychological questions regarding the individual and one’s environment and the constant negotiations between the two. She is deeply interested in cultural heritage and how it influences us in everyday life. Most recently she has been investigating the influence nature has on the individual through her own fascination with the ‘Magpie’ bird.
Through interviews, sounds, drawings, photographs, events and expeditions, she attempts to address the influences our heritage, ancestors and social environment have on our decision-making and reactions to our immediate surroundings.
"My works are explorations. In them I explore the individual and his interactions with his environment. Sometimes these factors are very visible and defined but most of our interactions are unconscious reactions based on adaptability and adjustment. The thin line between our environment and us is a constant process of negotiations."
We evaluate situations and act accordingly. Our self-image is born. In her work she explores the making of an image. What are the factors needed to make an image? How much is based on choices and how much is based on unconcious reactions to stereotyping?
We all carry a baggage that is our past. Though our connections with our ancestors, upbringing and culture we are nurtured, developed and shaped. Exploring this in action has been of special interest to her. She uses various methods of explorations that have resulted in cartographical experiments and extensive researches.

Thora´s websites are: www.cargocollective.com/thora and www.thoragunn.is

Thora Gunnarsdottir graduated with a BA from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2005 and a MFA from Valand School of Fine Arts in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2007.  She has lived and worked in Gothenburg, Marseille and currently in Reykjavik.             

She has shown internationally both in solo and group shows and is currently working on a project for Reykjavik Artfest 2008 both as a curator and exhibitor. Her most recent solo show was Precarious Ringroad if you were an animal which animal would you be and why? at the Mobile Box gallery in Gothenburg as a part of the 2007 Gothenburg Biennial and Reykjavik Artfest in 2008.

Please see CV in comments below.