Bjarni, this year's town artist
Potter Bjarni Viðar Sigurðsson is the Artist in Residence of Hafnarfjörður for 2026. Bjarni practises his art here in Hafnarfjörður, with a pottery studio at his home in Hrauntunga, where he creates pieces that he sells worldwide. Mural art, vases, cups, bowls, plates and more – all made from clay.
Mayor Valdimar Víðisson says it is a great honour to be able to appoint Bjarni as the City Artist for 2026. „His artistic work is unique, personal and of high quality, and has received well-deserved attention both at home and abroad. Bjarni is a fine example of the drive, courage and creativity that characterises the artistic life of Hafnarfjörður.“
A turning point came in Bjarni's life in the 1990s when he left the banking sector for ceramics. „I am very proud to be the artist-in-residence for Hafnarfjörður. It's an honour. I think it's wonderful to be appreciated in the community,“ says Bjarni, who loses himself in finding the right glaze for his pieces. He did the same when he first got a lump of clay in his hands on an evening course at the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts, alongside his job at the Búnaðarbanki.
„I thought to myself then: I'm going to be a ceramicist,“ says Bjarni, who subsequently went to Denmark for further study at the Aarhus Kunstakademi. There, he and Guðbrandur Árni Ísberg lived for over a decade until they moved back home and set up their work and home in Hrauntunga, Hafnarfjörður. Bjarni with his studio and Guðbrandur with his psychology practice.
„This is crazy, crazy work and it has paid off and gives me a lot,“ he says of his art, but Bjarni's pieces can be found in well-known design shops, including in the United States and Denmark. As well as in restaurants at home and abroad. These include the Michelin-starred Jean George restaurants in New York, as well as the Sea Bath in Hvammstangi. Bjarni sells thousands of items in ABC Carpet and Home in New York. His work can also be found at Flora and Henry in Seattle, as well as Illum and Designer Zoo in Denmark and Epal – All handmade.
Bjarni is a native of Reykjavík but has lived here in Hafnarfjörður since 2007. „Hellisgerði is my favourite place here in Hafnarfjörður,“ he replies when asked. „We walk a lot in Hafnarfjörður, down to the harbour and connect with the sea and the town. I also think it's brilliant to see the town come to life and see our friends flocking here from all over to go out for a meal, enjoy life and pop in to see us,“ he says.
„We had looked at various places, but I say: Thank God for bringing us here, because this is the best site in the capital region. We're not going anywhere in the future.“
But how does he see the next five years? „Work, work, work,“ he says, smiling. „But number one, two and three is to further strengthen my Christmas market,“ says Bjarni, who has been running a popular Christmas market at his workshop for two decades in the run-up to the festive season.
„So I can see myself in the future, when I'm an old man, working here at the Christmas market all year round.“
Bjarni – We all hope that the title of Artist of Hafnarfjörður 2026 will be an inspiration for you to continue your successful artistic work. Heartfelt congratulations!
Those who have received the title of Artist of the Year in Hafnarfjörður are:
- 2025 – Arngunnur Ýr Gylfadóttir, visual artist
- 2024 – Ebba Katrín Finnsdóttir, actress
- 2023 – Pétur Gautur, visual artist
- 2022 – Björn Thoroddsen, guitarist
- 2021 – Friðrik Dór Jónsson, musician
- 2020 – Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir, children's author and illustrator
- 2019 – Björk Jakobsdóttir, actress and director
- 2018 – Björgvin Halldórsson, musician
- 2017 – Steingrímur Eyfjörð, visual artist
- No town artists were appointed in 2015 and 2016.
- 2014 – Andrés Þór Gunnlaugsson, musician
- No town artists were appointed between 2010 and 2013.
- 2009 – Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir, singer
- 2008 – Sigurður Sigurjónsson, actor
- 2007 – Jónína Guðnadóttir, visual artist
- 2006 – Elín Ósk Óskarsdóttir, singer
- 2005 – Sigrún Guðjónsdóttir (Rúna), visual artist
When selecting the City Artist of Hafnarfjörður, the Cultural and Tourism Committee calls for nominations from the residents. A large number of nominations are received each year, as Hafnarfjörður has established itself as a cradle of culture and the arts.
Hafnarfjörður is known for its vibrant cultural life, driven by dynamic artists where the individual, their contribution, creativity and participation play the most significant role. The town artist receives half a million in recognition to continue working on their art.
