Ragnar Jónsson
In his paintings, Ragnar Jónsson applies a technique where a piece of gold and silver-leaf is placed in oil on the canvas. A method he calls a gold/silver-style, or metalism, in painting. Ragnar is a pioneer in using silver as a material in his artwork/artifacts in a way that an oxidation takes place after the silver is applied on the canvas. After a certain period of time the silver is “closed” and thus the oxidation process.
Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir
Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir is an Icelandic freelance artist/ illustrator. Originally from the small town of Borgarnes, she studied Illustration at the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts. Elín works on various projects such as comics, live-drawing events, books, etc. As an artist, she focuses on documenting everyday life through observational drawing, as well as themes of womanhood and solitude. For more information and examples of her work, go to www.elinelisabet.com.
Michelle Bird
Michelle Bird described as “tactile and erotic,” abstract expressionist Bird’s paintings radiate the fusion of cultures and colors. Michelle Bird came early to her love of color as she leaned barefoot into the ocean wind hunting the last subtle green flash in her Hawaiian sunset. “I paint fervently for long intervals,” says the artist, “as if I were walking blindfolded through nature, feeling the color with my skin. For more information and examples of her artwork, go to www.michellebird.com.
2007
by Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason
2007
it’s 2007 and time stands still for thirty three minutes and three seconds time
stands still and I don’t think because for thirty three minutes and three seconds I
don’t exist don’t think of the English class that I’m missing don’t think of the
crumpled sandwich wrapper beside me don’t think of the bell for class don’t
think of the whispers don’t think of the ambulance don’t think of my red shirt
with the Arabic pattern cut open don’t think of mom and dad getting a call at
work don’t think of my brother and sister crying don’t think of my shocked
classmates don’t think of the girl that I fell on who thought I was hitting on her
don’t think of the fourth grade girls who called 911 don’t think of the history test
on Friday don’t think of the hazing next week don’t think of the girl I’ve got a
crush on don’t think of my virginity don’t think of my heart don’t think of its beat
it doesn’t exist for thirty three minutes and three seconds I don’t exist I lie
motionless on a cold floor paramedics shock me twelve times a thousand volts
but I don’t move because I don’t exist I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I
am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead I am dead
I am dead
Written and translated by Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason.
Edited by Meg Matich and Magnús Sigurðsson.