Sara Oskarsson, an artist with deep roots in Iceland, was born in 1981 and has since woven a tapestry of art that reflects the stark contrasts and the elemental beauty of her homeland. Completing her First Degree B.A. (Hons) in Painting from Edinburgh College of Art in 2012, Oskarsson has developed a unique style that is both a homage to and a direct extension of the Icelandic landscape. Her work has garnered international attention, with profiles in prominent media outlets like the Telegraph in the UK and Arte TV across France, Germany, and Eastern Europe. Her art finds homes worldwide, from India to the United States, showcasing her global appeal.
Sara’s artistry is deeply influenced by the dramatic nature of Iceland – a land known for its volcanic landscapes and ethereal vistas. She draws upon the vibrant and contrasting hues, the interplay of light and shadow, and the dynamic forces of creation and destruction that characterize her homeland. Her pieces are a blend of brightness and contrast, aiming to capture the essence of Iceland’s ‘ice and fire’ through dripping paints that appear frozen in time, and flashes of gold and silver. Her career, spanning over two decades, showcases an evolving body of work that continuously seeks to explore new boundaries and mediums.
At the heart of Sara’s creative process lies a deep engagement with the materials she uses. Eschewing traditional techniques, she opts for a blend of non-traditional materials and methods, pushing the boundaries of what is conventionally understood as ‘painting.’ Chemistry plays a pivotal role in her creative process, where experimentation with materials is not just a method but a form of artistic exploration. This scientific approach to art creation allows her to capture the elemental forces and the spiritual ambiance of Icelandic nature. Her works are not just visual representations but are imbued with the energy and dynamism of the natural world, particularly the transformative power of Iceland’s unique environment.
Beyond the canvas, Sara Oskarsson’s work is a philosophical inquiry into the role of nature in art and the artist’s ability to capture and reinterpret the essence of their environment. She describes her work as focused on the ‘slow burn’ of life and its surroundings, a meditation on the natural processes of decay and rebirth that underlie all living things. This reflective approach adds a layer of depth to her work, inviting viewers to engage not just with the visual aspects of her art but with the broader existential and ecological themes it represents.
Sara’s personal journey has also been marked by her engagement with the wider world, including her political activism and a foray into Iceland’s parliamentary scene as a deputy member. This aspect of her life reflects a commitment not just to the aesthetic but to the socio-political dimensions of existence, further enriching the layers of meaning that one can find in her work.
Sara Oskarsson stands out not only for her unique artistic vision but also for her ability to synthesize a wide array of influences and mediums into a coherent whole that speaks powerfully of her origins, her explorations, and her contemplations on the nature of existence itself.
Galleri
