Visual Art

Visual art has played an important role in culture and national self-understanding. See the work in the museums in Ilulissat and Nuuk.

AARON FROM KANGEQ

Visual art in Greenland has, in spite of its relatively short history, made a significant contribution to Greenlandic culture. It all began with Aaron from Kangeq, the Greenlandic drawer and painter, who in the middle of the 19th century depicted the ancient Greenlandic myths and legends in watercolours.

INFORMATION AND NATURALISTS

Since these beginnings several artists have been influenced and inspired to follow Aaron’s example through drawing and painting.

From the 1940s visual art had two primary forms of expression: To provide information or to depict the landscape as accurately as possible. The culture and the landscape in Greenland have also attracted many foreign artists, whose works are collectables today.

Museums containing the Danish artist Emanual A. Petersen’s paintings are thus found in both Ilulissat in Northern Greenland and in the capital Nuuk.

"It all began with Aaron from Kangeq, the Greenlandic drawer and painter."

Package Tours

Greenland Tours: Northern Lights & Icebergs

Greenland Tours

Northern Lights & Icebergs

4 days in Ilulissat incl. dog sledding & Northern Lights tour

Greenland by Topas

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Sled dogs are in their element under the frosty sky, crackling snow and fluttering Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of the Greenlandic winter. Overnight stay in Igloo Lodge.

Greenland by Topas – Summer tour: Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

Greenland by Topas

Summer tour: Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

Experience Disko Island’s glaciers, Disko Bay’s huge icebergs and legendary whales, then further north, Eqi Glacier's deafening calving events.

Greenland Tours – Frozen West

Greenland Tours

Frozen West

5 days exploring Disko Bay in winter incl. visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

INSPIRATION FROM THE NATURAL WORLD AND CULTURE

Greenlandic artists today are particularly inspired by culture, wildlife and the natural world.

During recent years an increasing number of young artists have made their breakthrough with art that provokes questions and alters attitudes.

Newer forms of expression such as photography and installations have begun to be mixed with more traditional techniques.

OVERVIEW OF ARTISTS IN GREENLAND

There is no complete list of all artists in Greenland. However, the book “Grønlandske Nutidskunstnere – maleri, skulptur, grafik og fotokunst 2004” by Camilla Augustinus provides a good overview of 33 active artists in Greenland.

The book is published by Dansk-Grønlandsk Kulturfond, and can be purchased in Danish.

By Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island

https://visitgreenland.com

Keep Exploring

Things to Do

Browse culture and nature (outdoor, hunting, fishing, cruises) related activities, as well as combination of both types.

Plan your trip

Read about practical information on how to get to Greenland, how to get around, when to travel or where to stay.

Destinations

Explore the regions and towns around Greenland and dig deeper into the experiences in each destination.

About Greenland

All about art, music, history, as well as animals, climate change and other interesting information about Greenland.