Retrospective Exhibition at SÍM Gallery Honors Sigurður Örlygsson in Reykjavík
SÍM Gallery highlights contemporary art projects and member artists, and it now points visitors toward a special retrospective exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the late artist Sigurður Örlygsson (1946–2019). The exhibition brings together a curated selection of works spanning his entire career, offering a comprehensive look at an influential figure in Icelandic art.
Exploring the Career of Sigurður Örlygsson in Reykjavík
The exhibition is hosted at Listhúsi Ófeigs on Skólavörðustígur 5 Listhúsi Ófeigs. Visitors can explore pieces that track the evolution of Örlygsson's artistic journey, which began with strict flat geometry during his early days—such as his first exhibition at Unuhús in 1971—and gradually expanded to incorporate recognizable figures, three-dimensional elements on frames, and expansive canvases depicting deconstructed machinery and science-fiction-inspired inventions.
Over the decades, his portfolio shifted to include dreamy, autobiographical family fantasies in the 1990s, works inspired by an extended stay in India, and an ambitious series dedicated to Reykjavík's architecture comprising 224 paintings for the city's 224th anniversary. Later periods featured watercolor bird and human series before returning full circle to abstract art on the boundaries of figuration.
Visiting the Exhibition
The opening event features light refreshments and live music reflective of the artist's spirit. A newly written text about Örlygsson and his artistic output accompanies the display.
For more cultural experiences across the city, you can browse museums or view the interactive map view to plan your next visit with Musemap (musemap.art).
