Grapevine Picks: 30 Artists, A Literary Love-In And Perfumed Pictures

The Grapevine Crew scoops the cream of next week’s art happenings and events, and invites you to lick the spoon.

30×30

September 4th-30th

Gallerý Port, Laugavegur 23b

Free admission

More information here

We can’t emphasize the brilliance of Gallerý Port enough. This artist-run gallery has quickly become one of the best in Iceland, so if you haven’t already been we strongly suggest that you pay them a visit.

30×30 is group exhibit of 30 artists exhibiting 30 works. Contributors range from heavyweight writer and visual artist Hallgrímur Helgason, to noted embroiderer Loji Höskuldsson; from visual art genius Þórdís Erla Zoëga, to legendary bohemian couple Hulda Hákon and Jón Óskar.

This exhibition is a truly unique opportunity to see  the crème de la crème of Icelandic artists selected from across genre and generation, and will be the talk of the town this year.

Reykjavík International Literary Festival 2021

September 8th-11th

Various locations

Free admission

More information here

Do you feel like you’re not reading enough? Oh boy – do we have the event for you!

The Reykjavík International Literary Festival showcases the best literature in Europe, and is crawling with bookworms, writers and even commissioning editors from publisher HarperCollins. This year will be nothing less than spectacular, involving writers from our first lady herself, Eliza Reid, to last year’s Nordic Council Literature prizewinner Monika Fagerholm.

The festival has established itself as the most exciting literary event in Iceland, and it’s an intimate affair which presents opportunities to meet your favourite Icelandic authors. You might even grab a beer with one—while debating your postmodern take on Einar Áskell—at the Book Ball, which brings the festival to a close on Saturday 11th at Iðno from 21:00.

Monica Fagerholm – photo by Niklas Sandström

Scent of Nature

September 11th-October 16th

NORR11, Hverfisgata 18

Free admission

More information here

Lilja Birgisdóttir’s newest exhibition ‘Scent of Nature’ examines plants and vegetation, and focuses on the aroma that accompanies them.

As owner of Fischersund perfumery alongside her brother—Jónsi, of Icelandic band Sigur Rós—Lilja is perfectly positioned to create a trans-sensory experience of art through shifting colours and sweeping scents, all while encouraging your mind to complete the story for you.

The experience of this exhibit is meant to bridge the gap between imaginative art and the material world.

Lilja Birgisdóttir – photo supplied by artist

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