Two light artworks chosen for Winter Lights Festival 2026
Reykjavík City and Veitur held a competition for two light artworks in public spaces for the 2026 Winter Lights Festival last November. A total of 18 proposals were submitted to the competition this time.
The competition aims to spark creativity and innovation that fosters a creative and vibrant city. The selection committee has reviewed submissions and reached a decision. The chosen works are: Ljóslifandi and Í NÝJU LJÓSI.
Ljóslifandi
The selection committee's statement reads:
"Ljóslifandi creates an experience rather than just placing an object or sculpture in an open space. The work invites visitors to enter a space — a world that blends materials and light. Part walkway, part resonance chamber, where light itself guides the journey. Every angle transforms the experience. From outside, the work appears as a sculpture — strong, metallic and bold. From inside, it becomes soft and fluid, as light takes over."
The artists behind the work are:
- Sigurður Bogi Ólafsson, light designer and technician, electronics specialist and student in high-tech engineering at Reykjavík University.
- Gunnlaugur Eiður Björgvinsson, lighting and video technician, BSc in Computer Science from Reykjavík University.
- Vikar Máni Þórsson, light designer.
Í NÝJU LJÓSI
The selection committee's statement reads:
"The work attempts to shed new light on the brightness within all of us, hoping it can brighten the dark winter days. Through this work, the artist invites viewers to shift their perspective for a moment and see themselves through the eyes of someone who holds warmth and love for them. Every detail in the work demonstrates how the experience changes based on perspective, creating moments of self-awareness and compassion where viewers sense their own presence in a new way, both literally and symbolically."
The work is created by artist Björt Sigfinnsdóttir
Interactive light sculptures
Both applications were well-developed and clearly showed the ideas were carefully considered and feasible. Both projects are freestanding, interactive light sculptures that can be placed in various locations throughout the urban landscape.
The selection committee believes both works offer unique experiences that appeal to a wide audience of all ages.
The selection committee expects both works will spark curiosity, captivate people, and create a space for engagement, reflection, and conversation. They blend artistic vision with technical execution in a compelling way, making them ideally suited to enrich the urban landscape.
Selection committee members:
- Salóme Rósa Þorkelsdóttir, urban designer at the Department of Environment & Planning.
- Sesselja Jónasdóttir, project manager for List í ljósi
- Sigurður Trausti Traustason, head of division at Reykjavík Art Museum
Veitur and Reykjavík City thank all who submitted proposals and sincerely congratulate the winners.
We look forward to Winter Lights Festival 2026, from February 5-8.