Outdoor artwork "Rif" unveiled in Vesturvin
Artist Anna Júlía Friðbjörnsdóttir formally unveiled her outdoor artwork "Rif" this week during a ceremony at Vesturvin, a new residential development on the former Héðinsreitur site in Vesturbær, Reykjavík. The artwork reflects a shared commitment between Reykjavík City and local property owners to bolster public art and create a vibrant, high-quality environment for residents and visitors.
The mayor welcomed guests and expressed gratitude for the contribution.
Organizers selected "Rif" following a design competition for an outdoor artwork in Vesturvin. Last fall, officials invited artists to enter a preselection process for the closed competition, which prioritized artistic quality, site relevance, and public engagement.
Shaped like a compass rose, the interactive outdoor artwork draws inspiration from its surroundings and the area's history, featuring references to marine biota, navigation, and shipbuilding. The piece features a bronze cast of a whale bone mounted on a rotating axis above a cast terrazzo disc with a mosaic inlay. Visitors can spin the bone in different directions and read info engraved into the disc, actively participating in the experience as they explore the work.
Anna Júlía Friðbjörnsdóttir (b. 1973) lives and works in Reykjavík. She works across various media to explore both contemporary and historical themes. Often experimental, her sculptures and installations examine the multifaceted transformation of materials, systems, and communication.
"Rif" adds a compelling, accessible artwork to Reykjavík's public spaces, enriching the site while inviting togetherness, curiosity, and conversation.
