Tears of the Weirdom  // Amanda Riffo

Amanda Riffo’s  work uses mechanisms of vision and awareness through various techniques inspired by science, optics, neurology, cinema, and even the misunderstandings stemming from her severe astigmatism. By creating imaginative objects, situations, and exercises, she adopts accidental perspectives to address themes ranging from her personal history and experiences to art world ethics and broader societal issues. In her exhibition „House of Purkinje“ (Nýlistasafnið 2023), she  tricked the audience into the set up of an unfinished exhibition. Recently, she participated in a research program at Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the concept of Deep Seeing.

In her lecture, she will discuss her creative process, the use of set decoration techniques in cinema, neurological games, and her favorite mistakes. She will also share insights from her research in Japan.

Amanda Riffo (B.1977) is a French Chilean artist who has been residing in Reykjavik since 2009.Her involvement in movie sets has enriched her insights, providing valuable perspectives that complement her studio practice. 

Notable exhibitions in Iceland include „CAVERN“ (Open 2018), „ELASTIC STRESS“ (Skaftfell 2019), and „HOUSE OF PURKINJE“ (Nýlistasafnið 2023). Amanda Riffo also took part in Sequences Xl (Reykjavik, 2019). Her work has been featured in various European countries, but also in Japan, Lebanon and Chile. 

In 2024 she was awarded the Icelandic Art Prize , Artist of the year.She is currently in Japan pursuing a research at Musashino Art University, Tokyo. 

This lecture is a part of a lecture series, held every semester in the Fine Arts department, and is open across departments and to the public. In six lectures during the semester, experts in the field of art and exhibition production will discuss their own research, experiments and artistic creation.

More information on the series HERE.