Iceland
Exhibited The Venice Architecture Biennale
The research-based project investigates and honors the interconnection between Icelandic landscapes, the shaping presence of sheep, hand-knitted wool, and the engagement of the inhabitants, translating cultural practices and natural knowledge into reflections on the fragility of the landscape and ways to share these concerns. Central to the research is the collective practice of knitting among women, a deeply rooted Icelandic tradition, in which communities gather to create wool clothing adapted to the cold climate. Through these gatherings, knowledge, stories, and skills are shared, and the process itself becomes a reflection of the landscape and its rhythms.
This collaborative practice, together with this research, contributed material for the Venice Architecture Biennale within the framework of the Gens Public Program: hand-knitted wool mosaics created by local artisans. The patterns reinterpret traditional lopapeysa designs, representing Icelandic landscapes with volcanoes, mountains, snow-covered fields, rivers, traditional turf architecture, and biodiversity, including birds, salmon, sheep, reindeer, and horses. The collective weaving process embodies the interaction between crafts, community, and environment, creating a work that is both a representation of the landscape that honors shared cultural practices.
Disseminated at The Venice Architecture Biennale
The research-project was presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale, within the Gens Public Program, disseminating reflections on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and artisanal practices within environmentally conscious research. In the Arsenale’s amphitheater—Speakers Corner—hand-knitted wool pieces transform the space into a mosaic of Iceland’s natural and cultural landscapes. Visitors also engage with raw wool, volcanic lava, seaweed, and an herbarium, contributing their own reflections and creating a living, sensory laboratory. The exhibition fosters an immersive dialogue between cultural practices, natural elements, and participation, highlighting the living heritage of Iceland.
Credits:
Icelandic Nordscape Lab | Curatorial & Exhibition Design: Ivan Juarez
Team: Ivan Juarez, Helena Guttormsdóttir, and Daniele Stefàno
Knitters: Hafdís Jóhannsdóttir from Ullarselið – Wool Centre | Hvanneyri, Edda and Dísa from Skessuprjón
Felting wool: Chenxin Feng
Curator Biennale Architettura Venezia: Carlo Ratti and GENS team of the Curator Speakers Corners
