Smádráttum

Smádráttum is an Icelandic term that translates roughly to "small drawings" or "sketches." It is not a formally recognized art movement or style in the same way as Impressionism or Surrealism. Instead, it refers to a practice of creating small-scale, often informal, visual works. These pieces can encompass a wide range of subjects and mediums, including pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, or digital art, as long as they are characterized by their diminutive size.

The concept of smádráttum often emphasizes spontaneity and personal expression. Artists might use them as studies for larger works, as a way to quickly capture an idea or observation, or simply as a form of artistic practice without the pressure associated with creating monumental pieces. The intimate scale can foster a sense of immediacy and direct connection between the viewer and the artwork.

While there isn't a dedicated school of artists who exclusively practice smádráttum, many contemporary artists, both in Iceland and internationally, incorporate small drawings and sketches into their portfolios. These works can be found in sketchbooks, personal collections, or sometimes exhibited as standalone pieces. The term highlights a valuing of the miniature and the often-overlooked beauty found in brief, unpretentious artistic endeavors. It celebrates the act of drawing and creating in a manageable, accessible format.