Iceland
A series of interviews, and photographic study conducted by Hlif Olafsdottir
Iceland is ranked as the best place in the world to be a woman. Women’s strike of 1975 was a defining moment in the fight for gender equality. Five years later, Vigdís Finnbogadottir became the world’s first democratically elected female president. Björk has been breaking and challenging gender stereotypes for decades. In 2015, a social media campaign #FreeTheNipple, challenged the unfair laws and stigmas against women choosing to go topless. At the beginning of 2018, Iceland became the first country in the world to enforce equal pay. It’s no secret that Iceland is the most feminist country in the world, but how good can it really be?
Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð
Guðrun is and an Icelandic singer/ songwriter.
Hlif Olafsdottir: Who are you and what do you do?
Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð: My name is Guðrun Ýr, I'm 22 years old, and I'm an Icelandic singer/ songwriter. I study jazz singing and jazz piano and write and release my own music by the name of GDRN.
HO: How did you get started in music?
GYE: I started studying classical violin at the age of 5. When I was 11, I wanted to try something new and got interested in singing. I started auditioning for the music school in my hometown. I had never sung before so I was extremely stressed over these auditions yet I got into the program and that's where it all started for me. I then started to make music with my two friends, Bjarki and Teitiur, who go by the name ra:tio. We released out first song "Ein" which translates to Alone". Shortly after that, the record label Alda Music reached out to me with a record deal. This opened many opportunities for me, such as exciting gigs and other things. As we speak, my first album is on its way. The release date is August 17th, which is one and a half year after I released my first song.
HO: Who are some of your biggest influences? And how do these influences translate into your work?
GYE: I find inspiration is all sorts of things. Not just music, but also literature and even movies. My parents always played music for me when I was younger, from jazz to rock. It's hard to pinpoint exactly where I find inspiration, I get a little bit of inspiration everywhere.
HO: What's it like to be a woman in the Icelandic music industry?
GYE: Best to say, it's been amazing. I've had a lot of support and up until now, I've not had any problems being a woman in this industry. There are so many incredible women in this industry, but there definitely could be more. I do think that there's a lot of good things happening in the music industry in Iceland and there are constantly new and exciting women being discovered.
HO: What are some of your future plans? and where can people find your music?
GYE: I will be releasing my album in the near future and I will continue to make music. Music gives me so much, and I could not live without it. I will be creating more and more, and I also have been wanting to go abroad and play in big festivals - one day! People can find my music a youtube, apple- music and spotify, under the name GDRN.
Erla Daníelsdóttir
Erla is a visual artist based in Reykjavík.
Hlif Olafsdottir: Tell me about yourself.
Erla DanÍelsdóttir: My name is Erla DanÍelsdóttir and I am 26 years old. I have been living in Reykjavík for almost two years after living in Nashville, TN. I was born in a small town in Iceland called Akranes but moved shortly after to the US where I grew up living in different places and speaking mostly English. I currently work at a vintage shop called Gyllti Kötturinn, and I recently graduated from a 1 year program at Myndlistaskólann í Reykjavík. I’m about to start my BA degree for fine arts at Listahaskoli Íslands in the fall! My plans for the future are to keep working and being able to make art full time. I began painting and sketching in high school which led to digital art and video work that was inspired by my skills with painting.
HO: What is your work about?
ED: Most of my work is about how my mind works portrayed with abstract shapes and feminine lines. I have always had a very large imagination, and it always took me to a good or bad place. I try to convey my thoughts through my perspective on every project I come across.
HO: Where do you find inspiration? Are there any women painters that you admire?
ED: I get inspiration through everything. Music is a big one, nature and stories. My main focus has always been color and lines. Lines are my main use when it comes to creating something. Yayoi Kusama, Agnes Martin, and I’m obsessed with Bridget Riley’s work. Her paintings at Tate were breathtaking.
HO: What’s your favorite thing about living in Iceland?
ED: My favourite thing about living in Iceland is the nature. Of course everyone says it but how can you not! Every large green field full of sheep I come across makes me wanna jump out the car and roll in the grass. The country can be such a mindful sanctuary. Another thing I love about living here is how supportive my peers are in the art community, they always encourage you to be yourself and that you can do anything you want.
Andrea Ásmundsdóttir
Andrea is a photographer based in Reykjavík.
Hlif Olafsdottir: Tell me about yourself.
Andrea Ásmundsdóttir: My name is Andrea and I’m 19 years old, born and based in Reykjavík, Iceland. I have had a passion for photography since I got my first camera phone. I love capturing life in every form; people, animals and landscapes. I shoot mostly on my trusty Olympus om-10 35mm film camera, but I do have a canon 5d mark lll for when I need to go digital. I love my two cats, podcasts on conspiracy theory’s and coffee.
HO: How did you get started in film photography?
AÁ: I got interested in film photography about two years ago, when my mom found a mint condition 35mm in my grandfathers stuff and gave it to me. He barely used it and thinks it’s nice that I gave it a new life. Once I saw the beautiful feel the film gives the images, I was hooked.
HO: What fascinates you about Iceland and capturing Icelandic nature?
AÁ: The landscape is just so unique, there is no place on earth quite like it. I love the gloomy summers and white winters. Sometimes in the summer you get the long golden hours, which means more time to shoot! It’s pretty cool to live in a place where I can get to untouched nature in just a few kilometers.
HO: What is the photography scene in Iceland, especially for women? Is Iceland really the best place for women to live?
AÁ: It’s a bit hard to get into, like anything it takes time and hard work to get recognized but with Instagram it’s easier to get your work out there, and people can easily get in touch with you. I think Iceland is a good country to live in, but I have always had the itch to travel or try to live in another country.
HO: Are there any female photographers that you admire?
AÁ: I follow an abundance of female photographers on instagram and look up to them all. I love seeing women living the freelance dream!
HO: What's next for you? any exciting projects?
AÁ: A few weeks ago I got accepted into the school of photography in Iceland (Ljósmyndaskólinn) and I start this fall! So yeah lots of exiting projects coming up. I’m excited to work with all the amazing teachers there.