Selardalur Valley

A beautifully remote valley at the southern shore of the Arnarfjordur, the Selardalur would seem extraterrestrial in its appearance if it were not for the fascinating sculptures of artist Samúel Jónsson. A former farmer in the valley who realized his artistic calling in his seventies, Samúel Jónsson filled his scenic backyard in Brautarholt with his sculptural creations. Exhibiting a quality of naivety, the sculptures range from a caricature-like statue of explorer Leifur Eiriksson, to a simplistic rendition of the Alhambra's Court of the Lions. The rugged terrain of the valley is also home to a small chapel constructed by Jónsson, and contains an altar painted by him. While he was not valued for his work in the years that he lived, he was recognized posthumously for his creative work, and came to be referred to as 'the artist with the infantile heart'. The restored sculptures stand under the Icelandic sky as sweet, endearing representations of a simple man with great artistic passion.