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SILGUFJÖRÐUR COMICS FESTIVAL
PROBABLY THE NORTHERNMOST COMICS FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD
30 AUGUST –
– 1 SEPTEMBER
2024
The charming fishing town of Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town, is surrounded by mountains and steeped in history and creativity. It is in this picturesque fjord that we proudly host Iceland’s first-ever comics festival. Siglufjörður holds a special place in the heart of Icelandic culture for many reasons, including serving as the birthplace of Icelandic comics publication. It was here that the pioneering publishing house Siglufjarðarprentsmiðja made history in the 1930s as the first to publish comics in Icelandic, igniting a passion for visual storytelling that continues to thrive today all over Iceland.
Now history is being made yet again, as the Siglufjörður Comics Festival becomes Iceland’s first-ever comics festival. Proving that the world of comics thrives in the most unexpected of places, and makes the most unexpected of places thrive. Our festival is a celebration of comics: featuring an Artists’ Alley and Drink and Draw evening with live music, exciting exhibitions and lectures, cartoon screenings and more, there is something for everybody. Held across multiple locations in downtown Siglufjörður, you’ll get a chance to explore the world of comics while exploring the town itself.
Whether you’re an aspiring creator, comics enthusiast or just curious to know more about The 9th Art, this comics festival will surely be a unique experience!
We look forward to you joining us from both near and far for this special occasion.
Victims of War by Hallgrímur Helgason. All the works are new portraits, done this year, and depict various national leaders and high ranking politicians, people responsible or co-responsible for the two genocides of our time, in Ukraine and Palestine. History will be hard on those people, they are all Victims of War. An acclaimed writer, Hallgrímur Helgason is also a painter who has held over 30 solo-shows in various countries and has participated in even more group shows. Works by him are owned by many art museums, including Frac-Poitou Charentes in Anguleme, France and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In 2021 he was awarded the French medal Officier des les arts et des lettres.
Did you know that the early history of comics in Iceland can be traced back to Siglufjörður?
Comic books and action magazines have been found in Iceland ever since the 1940s, when American soldiers were stationed here, in the years around and after World War II, bringing with them various examples of popular American culture, including comic books. It was in Siglufjörður, at the end of the 1930s, that Siglufjarðarprentsmidja started publishing Tarzan comic books. This publishing house would translate the captions and publish Icelandic versions of popular comics books, such as Tarzan, Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Laurel and Hardy, and Tom & Jerry. These Icelandic copies were then sold at gas stations and convenience stores, for eager children and adults alike. Since then, the heroes of these comic books have become a large part of the cultural upbringing of Icelandic children and remain beloved to many up until this day.
Join us at Söluturnin Gallery to learn more about this fascinating chapter of history that unfolded in the far corner of the country but which had a lasting impact on the arts and culture landscape of Iceland.
About the curator:
Örlygur Kristfinnsson, born in 1949, studied at the Art and Craft School of Iceland and, upon graduation, dedicated many years to teaching. A lifelong resident of Siglufjörður, Örlygur has an intimate understanding of the town, its people, and its rich history. As a founding member and first director of the Herring Era Museum of Iceland, Örlygur is deeply immersed in the herring history that is so vital to Siglufjörður's identity. His lifelong work—as an educator, author, painter, local historian and now curator of the Siglufjarðarprentsmidja exhibition for the Siglufjörður Comics Festival—reflects his commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the region.
Experience the enchanting world of Icelandic Trolls through the eyes of acclaimed illustrator Brian Pilkington. This very special exhibition will showcase original illustrations of Trolls and Yule Lads, capturing the essence of Iceland's folk traditions.
Born in 1950 in Liverpool, England, Brian’s journey into the captivating realm of Icelandic Trolls began in the 1980s. Throughout his prolific career, Brian has released more than 20 books about Icelandic Trolls, each translated into dozens of languages.
His approach is traditional—everything is done by hand. Using brushes and watercolor on paper, Brian meticulously paints his pictures, bringing to life his emotionally vibrant characters under a distinctly Icelandic light. Each illustration—painted with such love and attention to detail, from the accurate depiction of birds and Icelandic landscapes to the Troll’s attire, jewelry and housewares—is a testimony to Brian’s personal journey into the magical sphere of Icelandic nature, folklore and Christmas traditions.
His works are instantly recognizable to every Icelander, young and old alike, and have helped canonize what Trolls and Yule Lads look like in popular Icelandic culture.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness up-close the exquisite craftsmanship of Brian Pilkington’s creative genius, and to meet the artist in person, as he will be in attendance! Opening on August 30th at The Herring Era Museum, the exhibition will run throughout the month of September.
Join us for a special Drink and Draw event featuring live jazz music by the Akureyri-based trio, Babybop!
Drink and Draw is a social event where people gather to draw and scribble while enjoying drinks. It's a casual environment where you can express yourself artistically and mingle with others. Sure, not everyone is an artist, but anyone can draw! Drink and Draw is not an art class. It's a social affair where seasoned scribblers and absolute beginners alike come together to create masterpieces. No commitment—just pure, relaxed fun.
Drink and Draw events have become a beloved monthly tradition in Siglufjordur, where we gather to draw together and enjoy a variety of locally crafted beers by our host, Segull 67. But this time, we're taking it to the next level. Enjoy the soothing sounds of live jazz music while you sketch away.
No alcohol, no problem! Grab a refreshing soda from the bar and keep drawing and enjoying.
We'll provide art supplies, but you are very welcome to bring your own too. Don't miss out on this special event where art meets music meets drinks and partying. See you there for an evening of creativity and fun!
Babybop is a project that started as an idea between two guitar players Dimitrios Theodoropoulos and Jóel Örn Óskarsson around the year 2021. Jóel was then a student in Tonak music school of Akureyri were Dimitrios is teaching guitar since 2011. Babybop is focusing from the beginning on Jazz Standards repertoire drawing inspiration from the blues / swing / bop and latin eras and the idea of inviting young musicians who are interested in improvisation, to work and play together. In 2024, Babybop invited the singer Erla Mýst, also a vocal teacher in Tonak, to join forces and this is the current format. A trio between Erla, Dimitrios and Elías – voice, guitar and bass. Babybop among other things is a band about fun, understanding and improvisation.
Einar V. Másson will deliver a lecture outlining his vision for the future role of Comics in Iceland. In his talk, he will argue how this modest medium can elevate Iceland to prestige and recognition on the international stage, while also addressing the main obstacles to achieving this goal and proposing ways to overcome them.
Einar V. Másson is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, translator and comic book editor from Reykjavík, Iceland. In 2019 he co-founded the Icelandic Comic Book Society (ÍMS) alongside Atla Hrafney Önnudóttir and Védís Huldudóttir, and serves as its current chairman. He has edited and published dozens of comics, including award-winning works at the Reykjavík Fringe Festival. In 2022, he translated and published Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics into Icelandic. In 2023, he was the unanimous winner of the World Comic Strip Championship in Oulu, Finland. He is the co-creator of Bruce the Angry Bear weekly webcomic, the longest-running Icelandic web series on record
The Artist's Alley is the heart and soul of our event, where a colourful cast of artists from near and far come together to showcase their creations, ranging from comics and illustrations to prints and handmade crafts.
But hey, it's more than just a marketplace—it's a community. Here, you can chat with the artists themselves, get a behind-the-scenes peek at their process, make new friends, and maybe even score some sweet loot to take home!
So come on down, folks, for a wild ride through the wacky world of comics at the Artist's Alley!
Brian Pilkington will be joining the Artists' Alley, and drawing some of his favourite characters for the public! Do you have one of his books? Bring it along and get it signed!
Get ready for an electric musical drag act that will blow your minds! Join us on the dancefloor for a night of silky tunes and glitter, as Holy Hrafn is taking the stage at Segull 67.
But who is Holy Hrafn? According to Dr. Vigdís Vala, Óli Hrafn Jónasson, who also goes by the name Holy Hrafn when the weather is good, produces everything from swinging grooves to graphic literature and comics. In his work, he intertwines reality with ideas, misconceptions, references to popular culture, and private memories that are relevant to a few to create an output that should not be ignored by anyone who calls themselves sane. Like most people, Holy Hrafn has a favorite corner shop. To find out which one it is, you should not skip any appearances, lock your eyes on the lad and keep an ear out for him . Right… or you could just read the book!
Dive into the world of comic creation with our hands-on Comic-Making Workshop at the Comic Festival! Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, join us to craft your very own short comic book (1-4 pages). In a relaxed setting, you’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please and explore the art of visual storytelling.
Guided by Emma Sanderson, an experienced Graphic designer, this workshop is open to all ages and encourages creativity from everyone. Emma will offer advice on publication preparation and best design practices and provide guidance throughout the process. Participants will have the opportunity to use traditional pen nibs and Indian ink, adding an authentic touch to their comic creation. Get ready to unleash your imagination, learn by doing, and take home your very own comic!
Emma Sanderson is a Graphic designer, mural artist, and illustrator with over 20 years of experience. She began her career in advertising agencies in Australia and Scotland but has spent the last four years in the 'for-purpose' sector, working with an Australian Indigenous health organisation. Inspired by managing an Aboriginal art centre in a remote Western Australian desert community, Emma uses her skills to address social issues through branding, illustration, and marketing. She has also founded and managed artist-run spaces and hosted many workshops, exhibitions and events that foster community engagement and creativity.
Your quest for adventure begins here, at our tabletop games workshop, hosted by Goblin. Featuring miniature wargames, role-playing games, and trading card games, suitable for adventurers of all ages. So gather your party and embark on an epic afternoon of fun for the whole family!
And if you find a game you love, Goblin will have a pop-up store on-site for those who want to buy their own games and accessories.
What's more, you'll have the opportunity to admire on-display Warhammer miniatures, painted by local hero and Instagram sensation Ólafur Ólafsson. Ólafur, also known as Black Beard Miniatures, proudly holds a Commended Golden Demon Badge. He describes himself as “just a Warhammer nerd from Siglufjordur”, but his miniatures have been featured in White Dwarf magazine, highlighting his unique painting style and meticulous craftsmanship.
Hetju Myndasőgur is an Icelandic company that publishes comic books in Icelandic. But not just any comics.... they have made a deal with Marvel Comics and, for the first time in 30 years, Marvel comics are now printed in Icelandic! Find all your favourite and popular comics book heroes...but in Icelandic! A great way to continue enjoying the world of comics without compromising on language!
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of family fun at the Herring Era Museum where we're rolling out the red carpet for a special event in collaboration with the prestigious Thessaloniki Animation Festival (TAF). Enjoy a screening of short animated movies for children, hand-picked from the archive of Thessaloniki Animation Festival and specially curated for this event by TAF´s Programme Director! Admission to the screening is free of charge. Don’t miss this magical experience!
Thessaloniki Animation Festival (TAF) has taken place annually in Thessaloniki, Greece since 2015, focusing on education, culture, and the art of animation. Over 9 years, TAF has showcased works from global artists in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki and various departments and organizations. The festival has hosted renowned artists like Rony Oren and Tim Allen and introduced the Balkan Animation Forum (BAF) in 2020 to foster industry connections and opportunities. Since its inception, the festival has attracted 49,000 attendees, and the TAF team remains dedicated to expanding and enhancing the festival experience.
Segull 67 is a small, family-owned craft brewery situated in downtown Siglufjörður. The brewery is a collaborative effort between the owner, Matti, and his father, grandfather and other family members who all lend a hand. Housed within an old fish factory, it was meticulously designed and repurposed to house the brewing.
The name “Segull” holds significance, as it translates to “magnet” in Icelandic, symbolizing the family’s connection to the magnetic needle of a compass that always points North, regardless of location. Additionally, the number 67 carries a longstanding familial significance; Matti’s great-grandfather drove a truck with the number plate F67, while his grandfather navigated the seas with boat number SI67.
The brewery hosts guided tours of its facilities and operations, and often doubles as an event space for conferences, parties, exhibitions, sporting events, live music and more.
The Herring Era Museum is Iceland’s largest maritime and industrial museum. Here visitors can get acquainted with the history of the herring industry, which underpinned Iceland’s economy for much of the 20th century. It was so important it was seen as an adventure, as the country rose up from centuries of poverty to build a modern society.
Three very different museum buildings provide visitors with an insight into the magnificent and captivating herring industry: Róaldsbrakki, the 1907 Norwegian salting station, houses the herring girls’ lodgings. Grána, an example of a small 1930s herring factory, and The Boathouse, which aims to recreate a tiny little part of the local harbour from around 1950.
First built in 1905, Söluturninn Gallery originally operated as a convenience store, selling sweets, soft drinks, newspapers and more. After the shop ceased operations in 1999, the building underwent a renewal of life, with a comprehensive repair carried out by several people interested in the history of Siglufjörður. It is now owned by Guðný Róbertsdóttir and Örlygur Kristfinnsson, who have been running it as a gallery since 2018, with annual solo and group exhibitions, including exhibitions with sculptures by Árna Pál Jóhannsson, glass artworks by Pia Sverrisdóttirs, paintings by Arnar Herbertsson, Kristján Jóhannsson, Guðmund Kristjánsson, Íris Ólöf Sigurjónsdóttir and Örlygur Kristfinnsson, and more.
Aðalheiður S. Eysteinsdóttir purchased Alþýðuhúsið in Siglufjörður in December of 2011 with the purpose of creating a workspace, home, and a playground of sorts for the arts. Renovations of the house were completed on July 19th, 2012, and an adventure began…
The goal of Alþýðuhús’ activities is to bring culture into people’s everyday lives, giving old and young the opportunity to experience the arts within their community. It functions as a space within which artists and creative people produce their work and acts as a platform for conversation and connection between people. A broad spectrum of cultural activities is hosted in Alþýðuhúsið every year, with an emphasis on visual art. It hosts collaborative creative projects, three large art festivals, fringe music, and workshops, and provides a platform for people to make their own work. Artists, authors, Master’s students, and composers have stayed in the house short-term to focus on their work. For five years it was home to the collaborative workshop REITIR, led by Ari Marteinsson and Arnar Ómarsson. The workshop concluded with the publication of a book in 2017. What makes the house unique is a homey atmosphere that permeates all activities and welcomes all participants. There is no admission fee for events - visitors simply enter the flow of the house, whatever program is planned throughout the day. As in most homes, the heart of the house is the kitchen where everyone gathers before and after art events. The house is in constant flux as a workspace, event space, home to artists, and exhibitions. Kompan Gallery was first founded in Akureyri in 1998 but moved to Alþýðuhúsið in the last ten years. Exhibited artists are invited to stay in the house for a short time to prepare, and in some cases create their exhibitions. The stay tends to become a rich period of conversation between visiting and local artists and facilitates an introduction to local culture for guests.
Cultural events are planned three times a month on average: exhibitions in Kompan, ‘Sunday Talks with Creative People’, and main hall events. Some months will have events every weekend, depending on how many artists of interest appear on the horizon. The benefit of artist-run spaces like Alþýðuhúsið is the possibility to adjust and add on as inspiration hits. Artists invited by Aðalheiður welcome the invitation and are excited by the potential offered.
Over the past ten years, Alþýðuhúsið in Siglufjörður has proven to be an interesting and exciting platform for the arts and has become a fixture in people’s minds as a cultural establishment - evidenced by the sheer number of guests attending events, sometimes beyond capacity. Around 200 events have been held in these ten years and approximately 2000 artists have exhibited, participated in workshops, or presented performances in Alþýðuhúsið.
