As we dive into the new year, art galleries are emerging from their winter hibernation, ready to unveil fresh exhibitions. Last evening, January 22, the spotlight was on Vilhjálmur Yngvi Hjálmarsson’s Diagrams, which debuted at Á milli and will be on display until January 28. Today, the artist-run gallery Kannski welcomes the innovative works of Sunniva Allanic and Steffi Drerup in their exhibition Vessel, opening at 17:00, which delves into the profound theme of sustaining life through sculpture and photography.
Tonight promises to be a vibrant affair, with a Rokk Concert set for 19:00 at Smekkleysa featuring the talents of Juno Paul, Gíker, and Dirt Talent Extract. At Marvaða (Grandagarður 5), artists Berglind María Tómasdóttir and Björg Brjánsdóttir will present their flute-centric pieces, Dear Carolyn and Cambrian. Simultaneously, at Mengi, the synth-pop artist lupine will also take the stage at 20:00, enchanting the audience with a mix of both her released and unreleased music.
For those in search of more common musical experiences, electronic producer Knackered will perform at Kaffibarinn at 21:00, setting the stage for an exhilarating evening. And if you’re up for a late-night adventure, don’t miss Alaska1867 and digital Iceland at Prikið around midnight—keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces from the Grapevine team mingling in the crowd.
If you’re eager for more happenings around town, just scroll down. Have an event to share? Add it to the calendar at events.grapevine.is or peruse what’s on offer!
Lavaforming — Group Exhibition
Friday, January 23 — 17:00 — Hafnarhús (Reykjavík Art Museum)
As part of Iceland’s architectural showcase for the 2025 Venice Biennale, the exhibition invites us to imagine a future where flowing magma becomes a controllable resource. This forward-thinking multimedia collaboration includes architects, writers, musicians, and designers, all converging to present a transformative approach to construction and the environmental implications it carries.ISH
French Film Festival
Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 1 — Bíó Paradís — Tickets available at bioparadis.is
Bíó Paradís is set to captivate film enthusiasts with its latest venture, the French Film Festival, beginning today. Among the highlights is a visit from the celebrated actress Isabelle Huppert for the premiere of her latest film, The Richest Woman In The World. Attendees can also enjoy classic favorites like the iconic Amélie, the intense drama Hate, and the quirky The Piano Accident. As if that weren’t enough, the festival will feature curated French wines at the venue’s new cocktail bar, Regnboginn, in collaboration with Port 9. What an exquisite pairing! ISH
Rave Reif Performance: Sculpture Sculpture Performance Closing Party
Saturday, January 24 — 19:55 — Gerðarsafn — Free entry
Picture the playful spirit of Night At The Museum, and you’ll find a similar vibe at Gerðarsafn as it hosts the closing celebration for the Sculpture Sculpture Performance exhibition. Expect live performances from artists including The Post Performance Blues Band, Styrmir Örn, and Curro Rodriguez. Following this, DJs Melerito de Jeré and 8228 will commandeer the decks. With no entry fee and the Krónikan bar open all night, this promises to be quite the festive gathering. ISH
Upprásin: HOYM, Curro Rodriguez, Skurgoð
Tuesday, January 27 — 20:00 — Harpa (Kaldalón) — 2.000 ISK
In its inaugural iteration of the year, the grassroots-driven series features a trio of acts poised to captivate the Kaldalón stage. HOYM, comprising Elinborg Pálsdóttir, Lea Kampmann, and Katrín Helga Ólafsdóttir, will share their evocative, folk-inspired melodies born from friendship and cultural exchange. Curro Rodriguez promises to deliver a unique blend of music and flamenco dance, drawing inspiration from Iceland’s dynamic landscapes. Rounding out the lineup are the 2024 Músíktilraunir winners, Skurgoð (formerly known as Vampíra), bringing their ferocious black metal sound for an unforgettable night. ISH
Swim-in Cinema: When Harry Met Sally
Thursday, February 5 — 18:00-21:00 — Sundhöll Hafnarfjörður — 4,900 ISK
Icelanders’ love for swimming pools is legendary, but if you haven’t yet experienced it, mark your calendar for February 5. The Reykjavík International Film Festival is offering a special screening of the classic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally at Sundhöll Hafnarfjörður. Attendees can soak in warm waters while enjoying the film on a grand screen, further enhanced by live music from the soundtrack and interactive performances by invited actors. Such unique events draw considerable crowds, so consider this your early invitation for a truly memorable experience. FROM
