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NGV Presents Icelandic Artist Ragnar Kjartansson's First Major Australian Exhibition

A nine-screen installation by cult-followed Icelandic artist brings contemporary art to the National Gallery of Victoria, continuing Melbourne's appeal as a cultural destination.

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By The Daily Melbourne · Published 25 July 2026, 9:51 am · written 26 June 2026

1 min read

Updated Mon, 3 Aug· 3 August 2026, 1:28 pm

AI-assisted · risk-based human review

AI-assisted journalism under human editorial accountability and risk-based review. AI may assist with research, summarising and drafting. Where public source links underpin the article, they are shown below. Sensitive material is held for human review; some lower-risk material may be published automatically after sourcing, accuracy and safety checks. The Daily Melbourne covers Melbourne news. It is provided for general information only and is not professional, legal, financial, or medical advice. Read about our editorial care →

Links to sources include (but not limited to): luhringaugustine.com

NGV Presents Icelandic Artist Ragnar Kjartansson's First Major Australian Exhibition
Photo by Phil Evenden on Pexels

The National Gallery of Victoria is hosting the first major Australian exhibition of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson, bringing a nine-screen installation that has cultivated a global cult following. According to The Guardian, Kjartansson's work is being described as among 'the best artwork of the 21st century', and the exhibition showcases the artist's approach to video, performance, and human vulnerability.

The exhibition underscores Melbourne's ongoing position as a major cultural tourism destination for contemporary art. The NGV's decision to host Kjartansson's work reflects the gallery's curatorial ambition to present international artists and experimental forms to Melbourne audiences, reinforcing the city's standing within global art circuits.

For Melbourne's cultural sector and hospitality industries, major international exhibitions at the NGV drive visitor numbers, attract art enthusiasts from across Australia, and support the broader ecosystem of galleries, cafes, and cultural institutions that define the city's identity. The Kjartansson show joins a calendar of exhibitions and cultural events that position Melbourne as a destination for serious art lovers and casual visitors alike.

Sources: theguardian.com.

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Published by The Daily Melbourne

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