An exhibition of paintings by Elín Þ. Rafnsdóttir and Jóna Thors.

Elín Þ. Rafnsdóttir

Elín Þóra presents a series of oil paintings on canvas, created between 2023 and 2024. Her work explores abstract interpretations of nature—earth textures, shifting seasons, and vegetation—capturing the emotional atmosphere of landscapes rather than their literal form.

Deeply inspired by Icelandic nature and the outdoor environment, Elín also draws from her long career as an art educator. Her creative process is guided by intuition, allowing emotion to shape the work and reveal unexpected aspects of familiar subjects. The result is a layered, abstract view of nature that invites reflection and interpretation.

Elín completed her preparatory studies at the Icelandic Academy of Fine Arts in 1978, followed by a degree in sculpture from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, graduating in 1982. She later earned a master’s degree in sculpture and printmaking in the United States.

For Elín, painting is a space where form, color, material, and composition come together. She emphasizes that the medium is less important than the opportunity to create and express.

Jóna Thors

Jóna Thors studied at the Icelandic Academy of Fine Arts from 1977–1981 in preparatory studies and graphic arts, and again from 1987–1990 in ceramics. She has worked as an independent artist since graduation. For nearly a decade, she co-managed the artist-run gallery Snegla and was a founding member of Kaolín, where she was active for four years.

In 2020, Jóna was introduced to the technique of painting with oil and cold wax, which led her to further studies at the Cold Wax Academy over two winters. This method has become central to her practice. Jóna’s inspiration can come from various places; from a shabby wooden box, a concrete wall, a used tool or a view of nature, memories and music. Her paintings in this exhibition are painted with oil&cold wax on wooden panels and oil paper.