A Significant Artistic Legacy Arrives at The House of Collections in Reykjavík
An extensive transport of creative output has arrived in Iceland, marking a major addition to the national collections. Two shipping containers filled with a substantial portion of the life’s work of artists Kristín Halldórsdóttir (1917–2002) and Jóhann Eyfells (1923–2019) have safely reached the country from Texas. The pair maintained a lifelong personal and creative partnership that began after they met during their studies in Florida in the 1940s.
Expanding the National Collection in Reykjavík
The massive relocation was coordinated by the artists' relatives, spearheaded by Jóhann’s son Ingólfur Eyfells, in partnership with the National Gallery of Iceland and Eimskip. Through this family initiative, a donation of 25 pieces by Jóhann, alongside a selection of works by Kristín, has been formally given to the National Gallery. Additionally, the Reykjavík Art Museum is set to receive designated works by the pair.
Throughout their lives, both creators remained deeply committed to their practices. Much of their time was spent in Florida, where Jóhann held a teaching position at the University of Central Florida for thirty years. Following Kristín's passing, Jóhann—then in his eighties—undertook a massive relocation to Texas, moving his entire household and artistic inventory across state lines via 18 large trucks carrying roughly 170 tons of material. There, he secured land to protect, maintain, and display both his own sculptures and Kristín's creations while continuing his artistic output.
Future Exhibitions and International Recognition
Before crossing the Atlantic to Iceland, a curated selection of Jóhann's sculptures was showcased by the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, under the curation of Gavin Morrison. Looking ahead, the National Gallery of Iceland has scheduled a comprehensive retrospective dedicated to Jóhann's career for 2028, which will be paired with an extensive publication detailing his artistic trajectory. Notably, Jóhann previously represented Iceland at the 1993 Venice Biennale alongside Hreinn Friðfinnsson.
Visitors interested in exploring more cultural landmarks and current exhibitions across the capital can plan their visits through Musemap (musemap.art), where you can browse local museums or check out the interactive map view to discover more of what the city has to offer.
