Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter
Shoplifter photographed by Magnus Unnar
How are you dealing with the pandemic? The ups, the downs? Any coping mechanisms to share?
I’m thankful to be able to continue making art and being an artist is quite an ideal job, in my case extremely meditative. I rely on friends and family, music, films and the serenity prayer to get through the ups and downs as we face this new reality and cope with the limbo.
Installation view of Chromo Sapiens, the Icelandic Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, 2019. Photo: Elisabet Davidsdottir © Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter
Any silver linings?
Stillness, contemplation, reaffirming priorities.
Who or what is your greatest teacher?
Neuroscience, psychology and anthropology.
How did your work begin, the idea, the seed, the beginning?
It was an antidote to boredom.
How did your work develop? Talk us through your process?
I work from self reflection, emotional and mental observation, forever curious about the human experience. Intuitive choice making, connecting to subconscious choices and trusting my aesthetics and creative instincts. The choosing and handling of materials comes first, then the artwork emerges from the surrounding elements in the studio intertwined with my inner life and experiences as an observing wanderer in this world.
Installation view of Chromo Sapiens, the Icelandic Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, 2019. Photo: Elisabet Davidsdottir © Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter
Do other mediums (film, art, photography) influence your vision?
Psychology and nature influence my vision more than any other medium. Influence can come from anywhere, from daily life, songs, movies and most importantly, people.
What is your most profound memory?
Around 3 years old, lying on a snowsled towed by my parents, I was warm and cozy looking up at the stars in an icelandic winter. This is my earliest memory, I felt tremendous contentment and happiness, like I was being cradled by the universe, protected and safe as I listened to the voices of my parents and the sound of the snow at every step.
What keeps you up at night?
New ideas for artwork, pleasant insomnia. Stress, negative insomnia.
Imaginary Friends courtesy of Shoplifter
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Trust your instincts, keep making stuff, don’t edit yourself constantly and don’t worry about the results.
What's your favorite colour and why?
Iridescent because it contains all colors.
What's the first moment you were profoundly affected by colour?
When I decided to move to New York I saw my future in color vs. black and white.
Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir _ Shoplifter © Elisabet_Davidsdottir