A Bunch Of Great People Doing Great Stuff - Q&A's With Artists At The Reykjavík Art Festival

Q&A's With Artists At The Reykjavík Art Festival

Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir
In Your Hands: three-dimensional creation and technique

The theme of this year’s Reykjavik Arts Festival is “Not Finished”, referring to the continual nature of the artistic process. That said, how do you know when a work is finished?
Work is a continuous circle. You can always make improvements, add knowledge, or ask more questions. You might decide to end a project for some reason but that doesnít mean it is finished.

Can you describe your project/exhibition/performance in seven words or less?
Creative minds, visual process, uncertain outcome. (Or: A bunch of great people doing stuff).

Are there any hidden gems left in ReykjavÌk?
Yes, the ones you see simply by changing your perspective.

Sverrir Guðjónsson:
IMA NOW: What is the sound of silk?

Can you describe your project/exhibition/performance in seven words or less?

THE PRIMAL SCREAM OF LIFE.

What areas of overlap/intersection in life most interest you? What areas of absence?
Working with opposites can be exciting because of the energy and electricity that is sometimes created. This is directly connected to important areas of absence, which in my mind, are silence and meditation. Where the thinking process gives way to the awareness of our breath.

If money, time, and the physical laws of nature were no object, what would your dream project be?
Dream no small dream! For every artistic project it is important not to be disturbed by money, time, or the physical laws of nature.

Andrea Ösp Karlsdóttir:

SAGA: Wakka Wakka Productions
Can you describe your project/exhibition/performance in seven words or less?
Heartfelt, interesting, and funny puppet show for adults.

How do the extremes of Iceland impact your work?  And/or how you work?
The extremes of Iceland are shown very well in this particular piece. The highs, the lows, the Viking spirit of the Icelanders, and the need to have everything immediately. Northern lights, volcanoes, horses, and puffins all play a role.

Are there any hidden gems left in ReykjavÌk?
Absolutely, but if I told you they wouldn’t be hidden.

If money, time, and the physical laws of nature were no object, what would your dream project be?
Let’s just say it would be big! Especially, if I were the only one not affected by the physical laws of nature.

Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir:

Space, Flow Nordic Affect Chamber Ensemble

The theme of this year’s Reykjavik Arts Festival is “Not Finished”, referring to the continual nature of the artistic process.  That said, how do you know when a work is finished?
The magic of music performance is that it takes place in the here and now. It’s something you create and share and experience with your audience. And even if you record a work and release it on an album as a “finished” product, you’re very likely to return to that particular piece and to keep evolving with it. So, it is indeed never finished. It’s a fun but never-ending journey.

Can you describe your project/exhibition/performance in seven words or less?
Flow, across time and space, and between people.

How do the extremes of Iceland impact your work?  And/or how you work?
The extremes of Iceland are shown very well in this particular piece. The highs, the lows, the Viking spirit of the Icelanders, and the need to have everything immediately. Northern lights, volcanoes, horses, and puffins all play a role.

What is the best part of Icelandic summer?
That’s easy, it’s the endless summer light spread across the sky and all the moments of awe it evokes.