Position Statement
Jón Helgi Pálmason (b. 1998) is an Icelandic photographer based in The Hague (NL). He holds a BA in Photography from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague.
Pálmason’s work explores the complex relationship between landscape and identity, examining how they shape one another. Beginning with a documentary approach, he integrates elements of imagination through both research into folklore, historical narratives, and his own encounters with the landscapes he photographs. He uses these narratives both as a creative framework and as a means to navigate, understand, and engage with the landscapes, individuals, and communities he documents.
His practice emphasizes the investigation of local narratives and the specific conditions that shape the identity of particular landscapes and regions. By combining archival materials and alternative printing techniques with his photographic observations, Pálmason often looks to the past to gain a deeper understanding of the present. This layered approach allows him to uncover lesser-known histories and connections, creating work that reflects both the character of a place and the traces of human presence within it.
Contact:
Solo Exhibitions
2025: (Upcoming) Studio Cluster, Mechelen (BE)
2025: Art Center Heimsendi in Óskarsbraggi, Raufarhöfn (IS)
2024: The Public Library in Hafnarfjörður, (IS)
2023: Skotið, Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Reykjavik, (IS)
Group Exhibitions
2025: Graduation Show, The Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (NL)
2024: Exhibition with Komma Collective, The Grey Space in The Middle, The Hague (NL)
2023: Pop-up exhibition, Komma Collective, Recyclart, Brussels, (BE)
2022: Basement, Copenhagen (DK)
2022: NW Gallery, Copenhagen (DK)
2021: Basement, Copenhagen (DK)
2021: KBH Film & Fotoskole, Culture Night Opening, Copenhagen (DK)
Publications
Sléttan, Yzta Annesið, self-published
Sléttan, Traces of Herring / Sudden Shifts, self-published
Á meðan myndin dofnar / While the image fades, self-published
Education
2022 - 2025: BA Photography at The Royal Academy of Art (KABK), The Hague, (NL)
2021 - 2022: KBH Film & Fotoskole, Copenhagen, (DK)
2019 - 2021: The Technical College of Iceland, Photography Department, Reykjavik, (IS)
Recognition
2025: Charta Award, Shortlist
2025: The Norðurþing Arts and Culture Fund, Iceland
2024: BredaPhoto, Talent Program Nominee
2023: Myndstef Project Grant, Iceland
2023: Der Greif, Guest Room: “An archive is an archive is an archive”