Works by Eiríkur and Sveinn exhibited at Hafnarborg

Contemporaries in exhibitions at Hafnarborg

Two new exhibitions have been opened at Hafnarborg. The exhibitions are In harmony with matter and spirit, which looks back over the long and varied career of the artist Eiríkur Smith, and Ode to colours, an exhibition of Sveinn Björnsson's later works, created with great feeling and a love of colour, in Sverris Hall of the museum.

The exhibitions are being held to mark the fact that both artists would have celebrated their 100th birthdays this year, had they lived. Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor, opened the exhibitions on Ascension Day.

Eirikur Smith: At peace with matter and spirit

The career of Eiríkur Smith (1925-2016) was both long and varied. He tackled painting as a means of expression, and he left behind works that bear witness to a unique mastery of subjects as diverse as strict flat-plane art, expressive abstract painting, and realist works. The human figure is often central, but the landscape and human-made structures form a powerful setting. Over time, his approach changed significantly, both in step with the zeitgeist and because the artist consciously sought new directions. The curator is Aldís Arnardóttir.

Sveinn Björnsson: Ode to Colour

Sveinn Björnsson (1925-1997) was a prolific artist who was based in Hafnarfjörður for most of his life. Sveinn worked primarily with painting but also created drawings, collages and ceramic works. The works in the exhibition are all from his final period, when he devoted himself entirely to abstract oil painting, where colour became both his subject and his inspiration.

The curator is Sigrún Hrólfsdóttir, and the exhibition of Eiríkur's work runs until 17 August, and that of Sveinn's until 24 August.

Opening hours of Hafnarborg

• Monday, 12–17
• Tuesday closed
• Wednesday, 12–17
• Thursday, 12–17
• Friday, 12–17
• Saturday, 12–17
• Sunday, 12–5 pm

Admission to the museum is free.