Two Modernists - Þorvaldur Skulason & Sigurjón Ólafsson

Sigurjón Ólafsson sculptor and Þorvaldur Skúlason painter are considered pioneering artists of their time and whilst working on their art for over 50 years they introduced new emphasis and theories into Icelandic 20th Century Art. This year 100 years have passed since Sigurjón Ólafsson was born and in 2006 the centenary of Þorvaldur Skúlason was held. They were almost same age and they died within two years of each other.

On this occasion the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum and the Art Collection of the University of Iceland have collaborated with Hafnarborg to set up an exhibition of selected works by these artists. All art works will come from the collection of the above museums as well as 100 sketches by Þorvaldur which are being on display in public for the first time. The purpose of this exhibition is to focus on the art work’s modernity, explore possible similarities and not least important to experience the silent connection between the paintings of Þorvaldur and the sculptures of Sigurjón.

A catalogue is also being published in commemoration on this great occasion with photos and articles by the director of the art collection of the University of Iceland, Auður A. Ólafsdóttir and by the art specialist Gunnar J. Árnason.