Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval

Born into poverty, Kjarval was adopted and as a young man worked as a fisherman.

He spent his spare time drawing and painting, and learned basic skills from artist Ásgrímur Jónsson.

At age 27, with financial support from fishermen and the Icelandic Confederation of Labour, he passed an entrance examination and was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he completed his studies.

During his time in Copenhagen, he became acquainted with various styles including Impressionism, Expressionism, and Cubism, as well as becoming an accomplished draughtsman.

Although not surreal, some of his works include absurd and symbolist elements, mixing elves and myths into landscape.