Rán opens a Hafnarfjörður fairy world in a new exhibition at The Shed

See the world through the eyes of elves!

How do the elves of Hafnarfjörður perceive the world? Rán Sigurjónsdóttir gives us a chance to peer into the world as she imagines the elves of Hafnarfjörður perceive it, in a new exhibition at The Shed. It is a shop and community space run with passion for the arts and cultural life by Anthony Bacigalupo and Ýr Káradóttir on Suðurgata. The exhibition opening will be on 4 September between 18:00 and 20:00.

Developed in Creative Summer Jobs

Rán took part in Creative Summer Jobs this summer. „It was a brilliant experience, just like last year. Then I worked on the exhibition about the aquarium. Yes, this job is very rewarding and good.“

She created the works at The Shed in a studio in Germany in August, in the superb facilities of her stepfather, the beekeeper and handball champion Alfred Gíslason. She is the daughter of Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, and it was with them that she found her way in art this August.

Found his way in Germany

„Yes, I went in a different direction after the summer job. I painted with oils there, but I've changed my style and now use dried Hafnarfjörður flowers and beeswax. This fun experiment was a success. I find the wax makes the works very juicy. It's so much fun to see the result and to work with natural materials,“ she says.

„I feel like I've discovered something new. I've never seen anyone mix this together and I can definitely see myself using this method again in the future.“

The exhibition's description states that the beeswax would form a murky surface – a kind of mysterious membrane between worlds. With the works, Rán seeks to open a chink into another reality and invite the viewer to peer into a world that is hidden from most of us. But how did she get this idea?

Grew up by Hellisgerði

„I grew up on the street above Hellisgerði. When I decided to apply for the Creative Summer Job, I wanted to do something typical of Hafnarfjörður, and the elves came to mind. I couldn't imagine painting them themselves, so I had the idea to paint the landscape as I imagine the elves see it.“

The exhibition runs until 11 September and is open on all weekdays from 16:00–18:00, and at the weekend, 6–7 September, from 13:00–15:00. But what's next? „Well, I'm starting my third year at the University of the Arts,“ says Rán, who is aiming to graduate with a BA in Graphic Design this spring.

Heartfelt congratulations on the excellent work.

• Admission is free and everyone is very welcome.
• The Shed is located in a back garden, with a car park on South Street.
• Please come and step into an exotic world.