Iceland's New Spark
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Spark Design Space is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik, close to the city’s oldest shopping street, Laugavegur.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
The projects often feature the relationship between the designers and other professions. For example, Spark is currently showing work from Brynjar Sigurðarson that features furniture objects with no defined functions. Brynjar’s concept stemmed from a month-long trip to Vopnafjörður, a town in northeastern Iceland where he met farmers, fishermen, and shark hunters, among others. The methods and materials used for his design products came from experiences he had on his journey.Sigurðarson’s handmade sticks (shown here) incorporate the designer’s relationship with other Icelandic professionals, including local fishermen and shark hunters.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
Sigríður is especially proud of the flexibility of the space. “If something comes along, we can feature a mini exhibition next to the original projects.” In addition to Brynjar’s exhibition, Hanna Dis Whitehead is currently showing her work consisting of stoneware slip clay objects. Hanna is particularly interested in the handles given to objects such as pot handles mugs.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
The gallery displays a fashionable take on swim caps designed by Unnur Valdís Kristjánsdóttir.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
Vik Prjonsdottir has gained international attention for their Sealblankets for children and adults.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
Detachable winter collars are a big seller in the gallery’s shop.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
GrowME, a self-watering pot for growing herbs, consists of two ceramic bowls, a balloon, soil, seeds, and a special thread.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
Often referred to the backbone of Icelandic culture, wool blankets are on display.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson -
Sigríður Sigurjónsdóttir, an art professor in Iceland, founded Reykjavik’s first design gallery.Reykjavik went without a design gallery due to the independence of local designers. There aren’t many opportunities to join a product design firm in Iceland, unlike graphic designers or architects. “If you are a designer in Iceland, you have to initiate your own projects,” said Sigríður. Reykjavik’s design community finally has a home.Photo by: Bjorn Ludviksson
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