Men Removed from Reykjavík Roof

Trophies, a collection of aluminum statues on the roof of Arnarhvoll, Reykjavík, the building that houses the Ministry of Finance, was removed yesterday. The 11 androgynous aluminum cast figures, created 2015-2017, are the work of sculptor Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir. The work was created for the Museum of Military History in Dresden, where it was originally installed.

Last year, the work was installed on the roof of Arnarhvoll to celebrate a year of art in public spaces, in collaboration with Reykjavík Art Museum and sponsored by the Reykjavík Municipal Treasury.

The figures will be stored in Steinunn’s studio until they find a new home. The plan was for the US to be their next stop, but that changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once the pandemic hit, the figures drew attention for always respecting the 2-meter social distancing rule.

Steinunn states that the aluminum figures will no doubt not stay long at home. “They’re born travelers,” she explains.