An Introduction

Julius Hafsteinn (1994) is an Icelandic painter working between Iceland and Poland. His practice is rooted in realism, combining meticulous observation with bold and expressive brushwork. His subjects draw from human history, nature, faith, and tradition, with a recurring interest in heroism, resilience, and the strength required to endure adversity.

His work includes a series devoted to the European bison, alongside paintings of warriors, cultures, and landscapes in which the beauty and power of the natural world take centre stage. He primarily works in oil on canvas and wooden panels, adapting his approach to each subject, whether historical works that demand extensive research or more intuitive and spontaneous depictions of animals and landscapes.

Across his work runs an emphasis on the celebration of life, a connection to the spirit of the past, and a desire to create images that are not only visually compelling, but carry a deeper sense of meaning.

Júlíus has a background in film studies, which has profoundly shaped his visual thinking, sense of narrative, and professional approach to image-making. He has sold numerous works, maintains his own studio in Hafnarfjörður, and works professionally as a painter. He taught landscape painting in Akureyri for several years and has participated in and developed art events in Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður, alongside pursuing his own independent projects and series.