If you’ve been following the world news as closely as we have this week, you might be hoping that the weekend could offer some respite for world leaders—or at least prospective ambassadors. Spoiler alert: it likely won’t. But fear not, it’s Friday, and we’re back with a carefully curated list of events in town that you won’t want to miss.
Just yesterday, Kristín Helga Ríkhardsdóttir’s exhibition, The Smooth Operator, opened at the Reykjavík Art Museum. We were lucky enough to attend the opening and can confidently say—it’s worth a return visit.
On Friday, January 16 at 17:00, an exciting new show, Color Gear & Shape, opens at Herma, while Katrín Inga unveils her exhibition, Photon Sensations in Linear Empty Space = Vacuum, at SIND Gallery (also at 17:00).
Looking ahead to Saturday, January 17 at 15:00, the Photography Museum will host the opening of Kristján Maack’s exhibition, Sleeping Giants. This special event will be graced by the presence of Reykjavík’s Mayor, Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, and the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir.
At the same time, Kristín Karólína Helgadóttir and Sigurður Guðmundsson will open their exhibition, Blind Date, at Ásmundarsalur. Later that evening at 19:00, BKPM will premiere a brand-new music video and perform live at 12 Tónar, accompanied by DJ sets from 2 Part Horse Costume and B33R.
The evening promises even more literary delight, as authors Fríða Ísberg and Brynja Hjálmsdóttir welcome the acclaimed South Korean poet Kim Hyesoon for a poetry reading and discussion at Mengi, starting at 20:00. To cap off the night, Andervel will take the stage at Kaffibarinn at 21:00.
Don’t miss the opening of Bring Me Colours by Eygló Harðardóttir at the Sculpture Garden on Sunday, January 18 at 14:00.
Craving more? Just scroll down. Have an event to share? Add it to the calendar at events.grapevine.is or visit the site to discover what’s already happening around town.
RVK Poetics: The Sea in Between
Friday, January 16 — 19:30 — Many — Free
The community-driven English-language reading series, RVK Poetics, kicks off its first event of the year with an impressive lineup of Faroese and Icelandic poets: Sjón, Meg Esja Matich, Kim Simonsen, Vónbjørt Vang, Svava Þorsteinsdóttir, and Rachel Britton. Notably, Vónbjørt Vang recently won the Nordic Council Prize for Literature, making history as the first Faroese author to earn this honor in 39 years. Ahead of the event, contributor Grayson Del Faro spoke with her; you can read that interview here. RVK Poetics is an inviting, low-pressure gathering for anyone curious about literature in any form. Participation isn’t mandatory, but if you feel inspired to read, you’re welcome to do so. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided.
Pop-Up: Remedy for Seasonal Depression
January 16-17 — 19:00-01:00 — Between — Free
While the days are stretching longer, the January blues remain a familiar companion. Contributor Grayson Del Faro recently shared two retellings of Icelandic folktales on how to survive the winter—an indicator that tough times can get even tougher. For those searching for contemporary remedies, we suggest you check out the pop-up at Á milli this weekend. Details are scarce, but when you’re feeling desperate, you’ll try just about anything, right?
Baby Rave at Gerðarsafn Art Museum
Saturday, January 17 — 13:00-14:00 — Gerðarsafn Art Museum — Free
Thanks to DJ Ívar Pétur of FM Belfast, Baby Raves have been making waves across Iceland. As the name implies, it’s a rave for babies—or, as the organizers describe it, “a family event for children of all ages to dance and move freely.” How wonderful to see kids exploring musical diversity from such a young age! While the event is open to all ages, little ones must be accompanied by an adult. We’re still uncertain whether grown-up kids can show up solo.
MOMOxYuyu Pop Up: Hand-Whisked Matcha & Desserts
Sunday, January 18 — 14:30-17:30 — Ramen Momo, Bankastræti 8 — 3,190 ISK for two matcha drinks and two desserts
It’s exciting to see matcha culture finally gaining traction in Reykjavík. Last summer, one of our writers spent weeks on a quest for the best matcha in town to bring you this guide. This Sunday, Yuyu, a brand committed to introducing Japanese teas to Iceland, is hosting a pop-up at Ramen Momo. They’ll be serving cold and hot matcha, matcha lattes, accompanied by Hojicha tiramisu, miso chocolate cookies, and white chocolate & lemon cookies. Vegan options will also be available. We suspect this event is going to be nothing short of delicious.
