Visual Arts Council Announces Nominees For Icelandic Art Prize

The Visual Arts Council has announced the list of nominees for the annual Icelandic Art Prize awards. The awards will be presented for the eighth time on March 20 in Iðnó. According to the Icelandic Art Centre, the awards aim to honour visual artists in Iceland and highlight outstanding work.

Seven artists have been nominated in two categories: Visual Artist of the Year and Motivational Award of the Year.

These are the artists nominated for Artist of the Year:

Jónsi, for Flood — exhibited in Reykjavík Art Museum, Hafnarhús. The jury said: “Jónsi possesses a keen ability to create experiences that provoke viewers to reflect on the human role within the natural cycle. The exhibition Flood captures nature’s visual and emotional power and shows how visual art can convey a deeper understanding of the forces that control our lives.”

Una Björg Magnúsdóttir, for A Yellower Yellow — exhibited in Ásmundarsalur. The jury said: “Una Björg Magnúsdóttir succeeds in opening up a fresh perspective on our daily existence with a well-realised exhibition. The result was a captivating world that was both everyday and paradoxical, offering the viewer a poetic exploration of their inner world.”

Pétur Thomsen, for Settlement — exhibited in Hafnarborg. The jury said:”Settlement is an exceptionally well executed exhibition, from the production to the presentation of the works, which includes a profound awareness of and concern for nature. With a deep knowledge of the photographic medium, Pétur Thomsen captures in his works an essence and vision that, through the exhibition, transform into a compelling dialogue with the viewer.”

Þóra Sigurðardóttir, for Iron, Flax, Coal, and Chalk — exhibited in the National Gallery of Iceland. The jury said: “Iron, Flax, Coal and Chalk effectively reflects the artist’s observations of everyday materials and demonstrates great sensitivity to the interaction between space and drawing. The exhibition convincingly interprets various perspectives on everyday life and society.”

The following artists are nominated for the Motivational prize:

Helena Margrét Jónsdóttir. The jury said: “Helena Margrét Jónsdóttir’s paintings are intriguing and set an interesting tone in the art scene. Her works are refined and serene, with an innovative undertone that activates the imagination and transports the viewer into a dreamlike world. Through her practice, Helena Margrét convincingly removes the veil from the traditional manifestation of everyday objects in painting.”

Sóley Ragnarsdóttir. Highlighting Sóley’s first solo exhibition Queen of Hearts, the jury said, “Sóley has established a unique position for herself through her particular use of materials, colour and feminine approach. Her multi-layered, decorative feminist works are a refreshing counterpoint to much of what has been on view in exhibition spaces in recent years.”

Vikram Pradhan. The jury said: “Vikram Pradhan’s work is significant as it merges the principles of science with the intangible. He weaves human elements into his artwork, raising compelling questions about individual perception and human existence. His work is characterised by an experimental approach to film and photography, blending personal perspectives with a strong artistic vision.”