THE JOURNAL
Now Nordic. Photograph by Mr Mathias Skaarup Schmidt for HA mag, www.hadesignmag.is
Fans of all things Nordic furniture, architecture and art are in for a treat at Iceland’s upcoming design festival, DesignMarch. Running 28-31 March, and now in its 11th year, the event is jam-packed with four days of panels, exhibits, performances, shows and more. Everything is spread out across town in capital city Reykjavik, and centered around exploring that famed minimalist Icelandic aesthetic and serving up fresh new takes on design. With so many different locations and instillations to take in, making the most of DesignMarch can be an overwhelming venture. But fear not. This select guide picks out some key highlights, whatever you want to get out of the festival.
01.
DesignTalks at Harpa
The opening event for DesignMarch, DesignTalks is a day of lectures featuring international guests including graphic designers, architects and other design creatives. The discussions will focus on design, of course, but will touch on how climate change politics, and other cultural movements affect it. Iceland’s prime minister, Ms Katrín Jakobsdóttir, will open the event.
02.
Now Nordic at the Reykjavik Museum of Art
During DesignMarch, a contemporary art exhibit titled Now Nordic will be held at the Reykjavik Museum of Art. It will feature works, both in digital and physical form, from five Nordic countries: Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. The pieces will be largely focused on art, design, and craft work while aiming to highlight the similarities and contrasts between the different countries and their respective cultures.
03.
“Plus Eternity” by And Anti Matter
And Anti Matter, a creative studio helmed by a husband-and-wife duo, is behind the installation “Plus Eternity”, which is set inside the Grótta Island Lighthouse, a small lighthouse located in Seltjarnarnes, at the north-westernmost point of Reykjavik. (Sightseeing and a show? It’s a two-in-one special.) The installation will play on the five senses as objects, sounds, tastes and textures all come together to explore the beauty of strangeness. Sound mysterious? Check it out in person to see for yourself.
“Plus Eternity” by And Anti Matter. Photograph by Mr Gulli Már
04.
Gender Cocktail at Kex
One of the more progressive offerings of the week, Gender Cocktail is put on by a collective of creatives who will come together to showcase an experience as well as raise a discussion about gender, gender behaviour and gender-bound identity. The event will include drag performances starring Iceland’s most prominent drag queens and works of art, among other things. Brunch will also be served – as will, presumably, cocktails.
05.
“Domestic Landscapes” by FÓLK
Reykjavik brand FÓLK, a sustainable furniture outfit, has collaborated with three upcoming designers (Mr Jón Helgi Hólmgeirsson, Ms Ólína Rögnudóttir and Ms Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir) to create functional objects from local, natural or upcycled materials. They will be showcased during DesignMarch in an exhibit called “Domestic Landscapes.” It’s the perfect place to pick up some fabric if you’re the crafty, DIY type.
Denim On Denim On Denim On Denim by Studio Flétta and Ms Steinunn Eyja Halldórsdóttir. Photograph by Studio Flétta and Ms Steinunn Eyja Halldórsdóttir: Mr Rafael Pinho for HA mag, www.hadesignmag.is
Bonus tip: If you’re on a shopping mission, don’t miss the exhibition Denim On Denim On Denim On Denim On Denim by Studio Flétta. The design studio has collaborated with fashion designer Ms Steinunn Eyja Halldórsdóttir on a collection of recycled denim rugs.