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Where to Find the Best Street Art in Reykjavik

From the 1961 play, 'No Exit' by Guido van Helten | Courtesy of the author

The colorful North Atlantic capital of Reykjavik; Iceland has a lot to take in when it comes to street art. Some of the work is commissioned by the city for specific artists, while others are part of collaborative projects or anonymous contributors. While there are a plethora of art galleries and museums for such a small area, seeing work in public spaces – and bringing vibrant color to otherwise dull infrastructures – brings a new level of culture to a city. Check out these great examples of street art within walking distance throughout the city.

Vesturbær

Located next to the kindergarten on Seljavegur, just one block from the ocean, this wall mural is part of a series of murals completed in 2012 that all deal with the theme of natural kingdoms, titled ‘Here: Kingdom of Plants’ by the Icelandic artist Sara Riel. This one in particular, ‘Cultivate Your own Garden’, was done in collaboration with the Icelandic artist Davið Örn Halldórsson.

Cultivate Your Own Garden by Sara Riel and Davið Örn Halldórsson Courtesy of the author

This piece, Fönix, can be found at Nýlendugata close to the harbor area of Reykjavik. Fönix was presented in context with Endemi Magazine with an exhibition and publication in Endemi’s third issue, held at The Sculptural Association in collaboration with Reykjavik Art Festival.

Fönix by Sara Riel Courtesy of the author

The Australian artist, Guido van Helten painted these scenes from the 1961 production of ‘No Exit’ at the National Theater of Iceland. They can be seen along the buildings on the far west of the Vesturbær neighborhood.

From the 1961 play, 'No Exit' by Guido van Helten Courtesy of the author

This piece can be found close to the harbor area of Reykjavik.

Courtesy of the author

Wall Poetry

The collaborative project Wall Poetry is a collaboration between Iceland Airwaves, the yearly music festival that takes place in Reykjavík each autumn and Berlin’s Urban Nation. The aim of this project was to get musicians and street artists to collaborate beyond the recording studio or the gallery space.

Li Hill with John Grant, inspired by the song “Pale Green Ghosts” by John Grant Courtesy of the author

This piece can be found behind the art gallery, Hverisgalleri, at Hverfisgata 4 in downtown Reykjavik.

Tankpetrol with Gus Gus, inspired by the song “Over” by Gus Gus Courtesy of the author

This piece can be found in the Grandi neighborhood of Reykjavik at Grandagarður 14.

DEIH XLF with Vök, inspired by the song “Waterfalll” by Vök Courtesy of the author

This piece can be found at the corner of Vesturgata and Norðurstígur close to the harbor area of Reykjavik.

Caratoes and Ylja, inspired by the song “Óður til móður” by Ylja Courtesy of the author