Thor Rafnsson: Icelandic Painter Blends Folklore and Abstraction
Thor Rafnsson, an artist born in Reykjavík in 1958, currently resides in Malmö, Sweden. His work creatively fuses abstract landscapes with inspirations from Icelandic folklore, delving into themes of memory and mythology. Utilizing acrylics and oils on canvas, Rafnsson's technique emphasizes layered applications and features gentle colors and organic shapes, often symbolizing spring and renewal. He is known for notable pieces such as 'The Companions' (100 × 80 cm), which reflects enduring friendship. Rafnsson's upcoming exhibitions include one at Tabo Gallery in Copenhagen in 2024, following a show at Lyngby Art Association in 2022. He won an award in 2023 for contemporary art.
Key facts
- Thor Rafnsson was born in Reykjavík, Iceland in 1958.
- He lives and works in Malmö, Sweden.
- He studied at The Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and Bonderup Art School in Sweden.
- His painting 'The Companions' measures 100 × 80 cm.
- Solo exhibition at Tabo Gallery in Copenhagen in 2024.
- Solo exhibition at Lyngby Art Association at Jyske Bank in 2022.
- Group exhibition at Galería Azur in Berlin and Madrid.
- Received the Contemporary Art Curator Collectors Art Prize in 2023.
Entities
Artists
- Thor Rafnsson
Institutions
- The Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts
- Bonderup Art School
- Tabo Gallery
- Lyngby Art Association
- Jyske Bank
- The Art Association East
- University of Technology in Taastrup
- Præstø Library
- Art Öresund
- Galería Azur
- Mads Art Gallery
- Art Nordic
- Works Art Fair
- Contemporary Art Curator Collectors Art Prize
Locations
- Reykjavík
- Iceland
- Malmö
- Sweden
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Taastrup
- Helsingborg
- Berlin
- Germany
- Madrid
- Spain
- Milan
- Italy
Sources
- AATONAU —