Eldborg, Harpa – Martin Liebscher
The German artist Martin Liebscher has gifted Harpa his striking artwork Eldborg, Harpa. In the piece, he places himself in every single seat of Eldborg, combining thousands of photographs into one magnificent panorama. With this gift, Harpa joins the ranks of world-renowned concert and cultural venues that Liebscher has honoured with his art.
On Reykjavík Culture Night, an exhibition of the artwork Eldborg, Harpa by the German artist Martin Liebscher will open on the ground floor of Harpa. Martin will attend the opening and chat with visitors about the creation of the piece, its execution, and anything else that sparks curiosity.
Martin visited Harpa in the autumn of 2022 and created an unusual panorama inside Eldborg. Instead of relying on digital techniques, he seated himself in every single seat in the hall and took a photograph of himself in each one. Over the course of two evenings, he and his assistant captured more than 5,000 photographs, which were later combined into one magnificent panoramic image.
Click here to view the image in more detail, with zoom in and out options.
Click here to watch a video of the process.
A unique method and impact
Martin Liebscher is renowned for creating panoramas in world-famous concert halls, opera houses, and theatres. In these works, he appears in every seat – as an audience member, conductor, and musician. In this way, he mirrors the audience’s perspective as they look across the hall, watch the conductor, and follow the performers.
For many years, the artist worked as a cinema projectionist, drawing inspiration from film, visual effects, and playful shifts in perspective.
The Eldborg experience
“It was a marvellous experience for me to photograph in Harpa. In two evenings, we took around 5,000 images. Eldborg has an extraordinary atmosphere, with a unique colour palette and a spectacular space,” says Liebscher.
International recognition
The work Eldborg was exhibited at the prestigious Martin Asbæk Gallery in Copenhagen at the end of last year, where it received five stars in Politiken, one of the most respected cultural media outlets in the Nordic countries.
Liebscher’s works are known for their powerful and imaginative qualities, exploring the relationship between individuals, spaces, and society. Critics have described his art as both clever and playful, with a strong aesthetic approach.
His works have been displayed in numerous renowned museums and galleries, and he has participated in a wide range of international exhibitions.
About the artist
Martin Liebscher has gained an international reputation, particularly in the fields of contemporary art and photography. He is best known for his distinctive panoramic method, in which he takes thousands of photographs of the same space, appearing in every seat or role within the image. He has captured many well-known concert halls, opera houses, and theatres around the world, sitting in every seat as a guest, as well as taking the role of conductor and musician. He mirrors what visitors see when looking across the hall, at the conductor and the musicians, interpreting the audience’s experience, behaviour, and emotions – all captured vividly as the camera constantly shifts perspective.
