A Powerful Conversation Rooted in Place
In her interview, Steinunn Thorarinsdottir reflects on the profound connection between Iceland’s dramatic natural landscape and her figurative sculptures. Known for her quietly powerful human forms—often cast in bronze or carved from Icelandic basalt—her work speaks to themes of isolation, resilience, and shared humanity.
Within the context of Iceland’s stark beauty, the episode offers an intimate look at how environment, memory, and identity shape her creative process.
Watch the Premiere
The full Iceland episode is now available to stream on YouTube:
PBS Broadcast Information
The episode will begin airing on PBS stations nationwide in mid-March.
Horizons, 2005-2007, Cast iron and glass, 12 figure installation. The show travelled to 10 venues in the US between 2007 and 2018. In 2019 it was acquired by Martin´s Lane Winery in BC, Canada. Pictured here: Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN
Steinunn is widely regarded as one of Iceland’s most significant contemporary sculptors, known for her hauntingly quiet human figures that explore themes of connection, isolation, and the shared emotional landscape of humanity. Working primarily in aluminum and mixed media, her sculptures often depict simplified, anonymous human forms—standing, walking, or gathered together—inviting viewers to reflect on their own place within the broader human experience. The universal quality of her figures allows her work to resonate across cultures and borders, which is why her sculptures have been exhibited in museums, galleries, and public spaces throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.
Armors, 2016 -2018, Cast recycled aluminum, An installation of 3 pairs of figures.
The medieval armor figures originate from 3D scans of medieval armors from the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum. Museum staff scanned the armors and the artist made those scans into sculptures. The show was a collaboration between Steinunn, the Department of Arms and Armor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and New York City Parks. The exhibition has travelled to The King´s New Square in the heart of Copenhagen and to the Hallgríms Church in collaboration with The Reykjavik Arts Festival.
Paths, 2013 - 2015, Aluminum, Seven life-size figurines; Comissioned by Hall Arts, Dallas, TX
A defining aspect of Steinunn's work is its ability to create powerful dialogue between people and place. Many of her sculptures are installed outdoors in dramatic natural settings or public environments, where the figures appear contemplative and quietly present within the landscape. This interplay between sculpture, environment, and viewer encourages moments of introspection and empathy. Through this distinctive approach, Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir has established herself as an important voice in contemporary sculpture—one who uses the human form not just as a subject, but as a vehicle for exploring the emotional and philosophical dimensions of modern life.
Steinunn's Borders installation is one of the artist’s most recognized public sculpture projects. Created between 2009 and 2011, the installation features life-sized human figures cast in iron and aluminum, materials chosen to represent contrasts such as weight and lightness, permanence and change. The figures are installed in pairs—one in each material—creating subtle visual dialogue between the sculptures.
Borders was first presented in 2009 at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (pictured above) outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City before traveling to nine cities across the United States. The installation reflects Steinunn's ongoing exploration of human connection and separation. By placing nearly identical figures in quiet conversation across public spaces, the work invites viewers to reflect on the invisible boundaries—cultural, political, and emotional—that both divide and unite people.
Wayfarers, National Nordic Museum, Seattle, WA
Encounter, 2012, Cast iron and basalt stone; Mission Hill Family Estate, BC, Canada
Explore Steinunn’s Work
We are honored to represent Steinunn Thirarinsdottir and to share her remarkable sculptures with our collectors and community.
If her interview resonates with you, we invite you to inquire about available works, schedule a private viewing, discuss placement opportunities for residential, corporate, or public spaces.
View available works here:
https://melissamorganfineart.com/artist/steinunn-thorarinsdottir
For acquisition inquiries, please contact the gallery directly at info@melissamorganfineart.com or call 760-341-1056.
Waves, 2010, Stainless steel and aluminum; University of Aberdeen, Scotland