Comments on: A Glimpse of Icelandic Art

By: Fran Gallo

Fran Gallo — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:36:44 +0000

In reply to Jessica Chickadel Garrick. Thank you, Jessica! I am so happy to read your impressions and feelings about the Icelandic art. The Miss and Mountain painting is really delightful. It is in the “breakfast” room and I always want to sit next to it! I love your artist’s eye and perspective. You and Karen (below) are both immersed in the world of art and I’m appreciative of your inspiring words.

By: Jessica Chickadel Garrick

Jessica Chickadel Garrick — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:52:58 +0000

The few images you shared are so striking. I see I’m many very simplistic everyday life but there is a complexity of color, depth that draws you into each one. It was interesting to see the very first piece with the geometric, overlapping shapes and then move to the more figurative works. As you move through the images the softer rounded figures give way to some that are more angular but still a soft quality.
I love the colors throughout each one of the images. They have cool palettes but then the reds and oranges appear. I love that you paired the photos of the landscapes with the landscape paintings. One of the favorite pieces for me that I keep going back to is the “mountain and moss”. The color and brush work is incredible and keeps me looking more deeply into the painting. It reminds me some what of the Impressionists. I think the most eery for me is the “hidden people” it has a ghost like quality to it, separation and exclusion.
I am so interested to see more and study some of these Icelandic artists.

By: Fran Gallo

Fran Gallo — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:47:16 +0000

In reply to Karen MacKenzie. Thank you, Karen! I had not made the connection to the northwest Mystics, but,now that you mention it, I see it. I really love the colors! The city of Reykjavík is alive with art in forms of sculpture and murals and there are at least three major art museums in Reykjavik alone.

By: Karen MacKenzie

Karen MacKenzie — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:29:40 +0000

I haven’t seen much if any artwork from Iceland before, but it reminds me of the Northwest Mystics (or ‘Moderns’ as SAM labeled them in their retrospective). They shared a similar palette, one that echoed the colors of the landscape of the region. There is also something about how they use their paint, even the brushstrokes that seems formed by the rugged land. I will look more deeply into their art history now that I’ve had an introduction thanks to your blog Fran. Thanks for sharing!