Sheep Walking Through Valley 1990

Louisa Matthiasdottir painted “Sheep Walking Through Valley” using vivid colors, to capture the essence of Iceland’s landscape. Born in Reykjavik, Matthiasdottir spent her life between Iceland and the United States, carrying with her a deep connection to her homeland. Consider the cultural context of Iceland, a place where the landscape is not just scenery, but an integral part of the national identity. Matthiasdottir's paintings often feature the stark beauty of Iceland, her brushstrokes bold and unapologetic. The sheep, a common subject in her work, aren't just animals; they're symbols of Iceland's rural identity, its history, and its connection to nature. How does Matthiasdottir, as a woman artist, engage with traditional landscape painting? Does she reinforce the romantic view, or does she offer a different perspective, one that acknowledges the everyday labor and the lived experiences of those who inhabit this landscape? “I paint what I see, not what I think I ought to see,” she once said, highlighting her commitment to direct observation and personal experience. This painting, therefore, is not just a view but a deeply personal statement about belonging, memory, and identity.