Kjarval in the East
Skaftfell Art Center, Seyðisfjörður
June 17 – October 4, 2025
The National Gallery of Iceland, in cooperation with Skaftfell Art Center, proudly presents Kjarval in the East, an exhibition that explores the deep connection between one of Iceland’s most beloved artists, Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972), and the landscapes of East Iceland.
Featuring a rich selection of paintings, watercolours, and graphic works—most drawn from the collection of the National Gallery—the exhibition spans the years 1919 to 1960. These works reflect Kjarval’s enduring relationship with the region where he grew up, Borgarfjörður eystri, and to which he frequently returned for inspiration throughout his life. Iconic landmarks such as Dyrfjöll and Strandatindur in Seyðisfjörður appear alongside imaginative interpretations shaped by local folklore and personal vision.
Kjarval’s legacy as a pioneer of Icelandic modern art is rooted in his ability to fuse his direct observations of the natural environment with a variety of stylistic influences, from Symbolism to Cubism. His landscapes often reveal both the dramatic geological terrain and the mythic narratives embedded within it.
This exhibition invites viewers to experience how the unique landscape and cultural heritage of East Iceland shaped Kjarval’s artistic vision and helped define a national aesthetic that continues to resonate today.
Curators: Anna Jóhannsdóttir and Pari Stave
Venue: Skaftfell Art Center, Austurvegur 42, Seyðisfjörður
Dates: June 17 – October 4, 2025
For further information, please contact: director@skaftfell.is