Ásmundur Sveinsson

Ásmundur Sveinsson ( born May 20, 1893 the court Kolstaðir in Dalasysla; † December 9, 1982 in Reykjavík ) was an Icelandic sculptor. With him is one of the first Icelandic artist who gained international recognition.

Training

He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sweden Carl Milles.

Topics

His sculptural works are based thematically on everyday life and on the technology, but also mythical sagas content from his home to be processed. An example of this would be about the sculpture Sæmundur and the seal before the main university building in Reykjavík.

Art for All

The artist took the view that art is not just a small elite, but all people should be accessible and therefore very advocated their installation in public places. Other works Sveinssons can be found eg in Reykjavík in Laugardalur ( The Water Carrier ) at the Snorrabraut ( The blacksmith ) or in the hamlet of Borg í Mýri at Borgarnes ( Sonatorrek ). The illustrated abstract sculpture depicts the saga hero Egill carrying his dead son in his arms. The work's title refers to the eponymous poem by Egill, one of the most famous of the Icelandic literature, in which he mourns the death of his sons.

Museum Ásmundarsafn

In addition, it has transformed the architecturally very interesting former home of the artist in Laugardalur in Reykjavík in a museum ( Ásmundarsafn ).

The house was built in the 40s to his own design by the artist. The style is reminiscent of Le Corbusier. The adjoining sculpture garden is freely accessible.