Sunday March 9th at 1 p.m., we invite you to a special talk about Helgi Vignir Bragason’s exhibition Still Lifespan, currently on view at the museum. At this event, the artist will enter into conversation with architect and cultural theorist Anna María Bogadóttir, about the themes and ideas behind his work. Still Lifespan offers a visual exploration of buildings and construction materials. Through a multi-layered analysis of the life cycle of structures, Helgi critically examines various aspects of the construction industry, including material use, waste and environmental impact. The exhibition, curated by Aldís Arnardóttir, was presented as part of The Icelandic Photo Festival 2025.
The exhibition features still-life images based on construction waste or symbols of prosperity found on building sites, alongside photographs of concrete fragments and sketches of buildings that were demolished prematurely. By capturing construction sites and their discarded materials, Helgi Vignir raises critical questions about the economic, social, and environmental impact of modern construction. His still-life compositions, whether found or arranged, reflect on the immense waste generated by the construction industry and its lasting impact. The exhibition invites viewers to consider not only the lifespan of buildings but also the broader consequences of rapid urban development and resource consumption.
Helgi Vignir Bragason graduated with a diploma in Creative Photography from the School of Photography, Reykjavík, in 2023. He also holds a B.Sc. degree in Constructing Architecture from Vitus Bering CVU in Horsens, Denmark (2003), and an M.Sc. in Construction Management from Reykjavík University (2013). Building on this, Helgi’s practice typically deals with different aspects of man-made structures and the construction industry. The artist’s recent exhibitions include BENEFIT – A Reflection on Materials at Slökkvistöðin, Reykjavík (2024), and Ljósrák at Gallery Kannski, Reykjavík (2024), showcasing his continued exploration of materiality and its cultural implications. Helgi Vignir is a member of The Icelandic Contemporary Photography Association and the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists.
Anna María Bogadóttir is an architect and associate professor at the Department of Architecture at the Iceland University of the Arts. She earned an M.A degree in Architecture from Columbia University in New York in 2009, following nearly a decade of experience in cultural and exhibition curation in Iceland and Denmark. She also holds an M.A. in Cultural Studies and an M.Sc. in Digital Design and Media. Her work focuses on the cultural and social dimensions of architecture, which she approaches through the lens of everyday life within complex systems and incentives. She explores heritage, narratives and communication as transformative forces within the built environment, working across disciplines at the intersection of architecture, literature and visual arts. Anna María is also the author of the book Interment, published in 2022.
Free entry – see you at Hafnarborg.