Þorbjörg Pálsdóttir facts for kids

Þorbjörg Guðrún Pálsdóttir (born February 10, 1919, died November 11, 2009) was a famous Icelandic sculptor. She was born and passed away in Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland.

Þorbjörg is most famous for her unique public statues. One of her best-known works is Dansleikur/Dance, completed in 1970. These four green, alien-like statues can be found on Perlan, which is the highest hill in Reykjavík.

Who Was Þorbjörg Guðrún Pálsdóttir?

Þorbjörg was born to Pál Ólafsson and Hilda Stefánsdóttir. She grew up in Reykjavík. On August 6, 1942, she married a doctor named Andrés Ásmundsson.

What Was Her Family Like?

Þorbjörg and Andrés had a big family. They had five children of their own and also adopted two more children. Later, their family grew even larger with 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren!

Where Did She Study Art?

Before becoming a sculptor, Þorbjörg studied at the Commercial College of Iceland. She also learned photography at Reykjavík Technical College. To further her art skills, she even studied in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

What Are Her Most Famous Sculptures?

Þorbjörg created many interesting sculptures. Her most famous ones are often found in public places for everyone to enjoy.

What is Dansleikur/Dance?

Dansleikur/Dance is a group of four green statues. They look a bit like friendly aliens dancing together. You can see them on Perlan hill in Reykjavík, where they have been since 1970.

What Other Works Did She Create?

Two other important sculptures by Þorbjörg are Par (meaning 'Couple'), which she made in 1994, and Boy and Girl, created in 1968. Both of these sculptures are located near Tjörnin, a beautiful pond in Reykjavík.

Her Role in the Art Community

Þorbjörg was not just an artist; she also helped build the art community in Iceland.

Founding the Icelandic Sculptors Society

In 1972, Þorbjörg helped start the Icelandic Sculptors Society in Reykjavík. She worked with other talented sculptors like Hallsteinn Sigurðsson, Jon Gunnar Árnason, and Ragnar Kjartansson to create this important group.

Where Can You See Her Art Today?

Many of Þorbjörg's artworks are now part of important collections. You can find her sculptures in places like the Icelandic National Gallery and the Reykjavík Art Museum. These museums help keep her art safe for future generations to see and appreciate.

Her Later Life

Þorbjörg Guðrún Pálsdóttir lived a long and creative life. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 90, leaving behind a wonderful legacy of art in Iceland.