‘It’s beautiful and sad to be a human being’: Ragnar Kjartansson brings ‘the best artwork of the 21st century’ to Australia (opens original article in a new tab)

Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson's exhibition 'Mercy' at Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria showcases his works, including 'Me and My Mother,' a 25-year performance piece with his mother, and 'The Visitors,' hailed as the best artwork of the 21st century.

• Ragnar Kjartansson's video art 'Me and My Mother' depicts him and his mother spitting at each other, evolving over 25 years as they age.
• The exhibition 'Mercy' at the National Gallery of Victoria features eight of Kjartansson's works, including 'The Visitors,' named the best artwork of the 21st century by The Guardian.
• Kjartansson's art explores themes of human emotion, aging, and the blend of beauty and violence, with influences from music, theater, and religious rituals.