The paintings of Kjarval are very different in style. Most of them are rather realistic presentations of the Icelandic landscape where as others are more influenced by a somewhat mythical style. The last ones having for subject elves, trolls and figures from folk tales and sagas. The painter has been much discussed and also criticized because of this strange mixture.
In Reykjavík a museum called Kjarvalsstaðir is presenting his works.
He is depicted on the Icelandic 2000 króna banknote.
in the 1977 Debut Album Björk by Björk, there's an instrumental Flute-Tribute (Jóhannes Kjarval) written & performed by none other than 11-year old Björk herself.