Eva Brá Barkardóttir is an Icelandic artist currently studying MA Fine Art at Chelsea College of Arts.
Her practice is concept driven and takes a range of forms such as photography, video, sculpture and installation, depending on the concept or site.
Her work evolves around experimentation and research of materials.
Obsession with meaninglessness and absurdity play a big role in seeking answers to questions which have not yet been asked.
Website: https://www.barkardottir.com
Instagram: eva.barkardottir
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Q&A with Eva Brá Barkardóttir – June 2020
How did you get started?
A mindfulness guru (!) once told me that we often go towards our goals sideways. I always knew I was an artist, ever since I was a child, it was the only thing, but somehow I wasn’t brave enough to really follow that path until I was about 30. I was always on the fringes though; my undergrad was fashion design but all I really wanted to do was make installations and these strange outfits that I would wear on nights out in the non existing Reykjavík club scene. Then I did my first MA in Art Education before finally moving to London to study Fine Art.
What type of work do you make? My practice often explores an enquiry into fiction or made up scenarios. The images I present suggest an element of filmic performance, acting as fragmented snapshots of moments in time, where the construct of a narrative is left to the audience. Actions become symbolic, and the real world becomes a performance. I’m interested in exploring the idea of the domestic space through the lens of absurdity and feminism, which can at times be quite eerie but humour is never far away.
My work tends to be conceptual and site specific, mostly through performances or installations. It can often be realised through a camera and with my computer so I’ve never really needed a big studio. I do miss the social aspect of the Chelsea studios though. It is very important to me to discuss ideas and projects with my colleagues. All these WhatsApp chats and planning online shows via Teams is just not the same. Although I’ve never been more on time for meetings in my live, so that’s one positive!
What are you currently working on? I am working on an online show with a few of my classmates, it should be live by June 18th. While in lockdown I accidentally started a cult with my partner and collaborator, so we are working through the concept and criticality of the cult performance duo Procrastination Corporation.
What are some of the key influences for your work? My segue into fashion on my sideways path to study art has influenced me greatly and I do sometimes look to fashion for inspiration. I’ve always been influenced by film, I thinks that’s probably what has mostly affected on my practice. Filmmakers like Jan Švankmajer, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jim Jarmusch. I actually moved to Prague for a semester after having discovered Švankmajers work. Obviously you can not be a creative from Iceland and be unaffected by Björk’s colossal influence. Other Icelandic artists I look up to include Ragnar Kjartansson, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir and The Icelandic Love Corporation for example.
What kind of cultural engagement are you turning to while we are temporarily unable to get to museums, galleries, theatres and events?
I’m reaching the end of the taught part of my MA so during this Covid time Uni has actually never been busier. I think my main cultural engagement at the moment is with my fellow students work and critical writing. We have two online publication platforms on the MAFA course: https://extraordinarytimes.myblog.arts.ac.uk and https://mafazine.myblog.arts.ac.uk. I’ve also been getting the ICA daily newsletter for a few weeks now, it’s such a great initiative and I really like the White Pube instagram account, I’m so impressed by them, and the work they do.
What is the most surprising thing to you about the Chelsea Arts Club?
I’m mostly surprised by the Chelsea Arts Club Trust itself, I was surprised at how focused the club is in helping young artists to find their feet. It’s truly welcoming and an invaluable support when you’re just starting out.
Images:
‘Untitled Installation’ 2019
A video still from Eco nails, 2020