Þórunn Bára Björnsdóttir

Thorunn Bara Bjornsdottir, born in 1950, is a prominent figure in the Icelandic art scene, known for her distinct acrylic artworks depicting the flora and natural landscapes of Iceland. Her art delves into our perception of the natural world, exploring the intricate connection between nature, human awareness, and sensory experiences, alongside insights from the field of natural sciences.

Having completed her studies at the Edinburgh College of Art (BA) and Wesleyan University in Connecticut (MALS), Thorunn Bara is a member of the Icelandic professional art association, showcasing her work annually in exhibitions held both in Iceland and internationally. Her exhibition at Spittelberg Passage Art Gallery marks her debut at this venue.

Thorunn Bara's artistic aims revolve around redefining our bond with nature, leveraging a blend of art and science to foster emotional and cognitive insights into our existence. She emphasizes the significance of nature and beauty in enhancing the quality of life for all individuals, urging viewers to trust their instincts and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

In her art, Thorunn Bara employs vibrant bursts of color, fluid forms, and varying perspectives, drawing inspiration not only from direct observations of nature but also from her own memories and experiences, stating that art has many truths, and each understanding is personal. She approaches nature with a sense of reverence, acknowledging its profound mysteries that elude complete understanding. During her creative process, she embraces shifts in perspective, allowing for moments of spontaneity and introspection that breathe life into her work. 

For years, Thorunn Bara has been enamored with the volcanic island Surtsey, an uninhabited island on the southernmost point of Iceland. Surtsey was declared a nature reserve in 1965 and only a few scientists are permitted on land to ensure natural ecological succession for the island to proceed without outside interference. For Þórunn, the vegetation in Surtsey is a symbol of natures’ durability and unpredictability. The botanic settlers in Surtsey, a motif in most of Þórunn’s paintings, are proof of the resilient force in nature, as well as the botanical species that withered, a proof of natures’ vulnerability. 

In recent years, Thorunn Bara’s visual angle has shifted from the bird’s eye view to a perspective one, with mountains in the distance but a focus on the flora in the foreground. At times, Thorunn Bara, is almost abstract but she says she tries to obtain from anything other than the search for beauty, she is not limited to or bound by rules and regulations of painting.

Ultimately, through her captivating creations, Thorunn Bara seeks to prompt contemplation and appreciation for the wonders of nature, urging viewers to engage closely with her art and infuse their personal encounters and memories to rediscover the beauty and importance of the ever-changing natural world.

Þórunn Bára Björnsdóttir (1950) hefur getið sér gott orð innan íslenskrar myndlistar fyrir einkennandi akrýlverk af flóru og gróðri í íslenskri náttúru. Hún hefur undanfarna áratugi skoðað hvernig við skynjun náttúruna umhverfis okkur og hvernig náttúran tengist okkar eigin vitund og upplifun í gegnum skilningarvitin, eigin reynslu og innleggi náttúruvísindanna. 

Þórunn Bára útskrifaðist með bakkalárgráðu í myndlist frá College of Art í Edinborg, og meistaragráðu frá Wesleyan University í Bandaríkjunum. Hún er meðlimur í Félagi íslenskra myndlistarmanna og hefur haldið sýningar jafnt og þétt á ferlinum, ýmist hérlendis og erlendis, og sýnir nú í fyrsta sinn í Art Passage Spittelberg.

Þórunn Bára vinnur með litagleði, formflæði og ólík sjónarhorn í verkum sínum, og sækir ekki síður í minningar úr náttúrunni en beinlínis það sem fyrir augu ber. Sjálf segist Þórunn ekki endilega skilja náttúruna, hún sé ein af þessum öflum sem maðurinn geti ekki útskýrt fyllilega. Við vinnslu verka breytir hún gjarnan um sjónarhorn í miðjum klíðum sem veitir henni ferskan andblæ til að halda áfram, meðvitað eða í frjálsu flæði. Verk Þórunnar Báru fá fólk til að staldra við og velta fyrir sér öllu því góða sem náttúran ber í skauti sér. 

Þórunn Bára hefur um árabil verið hugfangin af eldfjallaeyjunni Surtsey, sem árið 1965 var friðlýst til að tryggja náttúrulega og vistfræðilega þróun án utanaðkomandi afskiptum manna. Hinir vistfræðilegu landnemar í Surtsey, mótíf í flestum verkum Þórunnar, eru fyrir henni táknmynd þeirrar seiglu og ófyrirsjáanleika sem náttúran býr yfir. Á sama tíma eru þau sem visnað hafa, dæmi um viðkvæmni náttúrunnar. 

Þórunn bára leitast við að hvetja til umhugsunar og þakklætis gagnvart náttúrunni í sköpun sinni, og hvetur áhorfendur til að taka þátt í hinum blómlega myndheimi með von um að hann styrki tengsl þeirra við hina síbreytilegu náttúru.