Bjarni Viðar Sigurðsson is the artist of Hafnarfjörður.

“I thought to myself: I am going to become a ceramic artist,” says Bjarni, who subsequently went to Denmark for further studies at the Aarhus Art Academy (Aarhus Kunstakademi). He and his husband, Guðbrandur Árni Ísberg, lived there for over a decade before returning home and establishing their work and home in Hrauntunga in Hafnarfjörður — Bjarni with his ceramics studio and Guðbrandur with his psychology practice.

“This is crazy, crazy work, and it has paid off and gives me so much,” he says of his art. Bjarni’s pieces can be found in well‑known design stores, including in the United States and Denmark, as well as in restaurants both in Iceland and abroad. Among these are Michelin‑starred restaurants such as Jean‑Georges in New York and at the sea baths in Hvammsvík. Bjarni sells thousands of pieces through ABC Carpet & Home in New York. His work can also be found at Flora and Henry in Seattle, as well as at Illum and Designer Zoo in Denmark and Epal — all handmade.

Bjarni was born in Reykjavík but has lived in Hafnarfjörður since 2007. “Hellisgerði is my favourite place here in Hafnarfjörður,” he answers when asked. “We walk a lot around Hafnarfjörður, down to the harbour, and connect with the sea and the town. And then it’s wonderful to see the town come alive and to watch our friends stream here from all over to go out for dinner, enjoy life, and then stop by to visit us,” he says.

“We had looked at various places, but I say: thank God for having brought us here, because this is the best town location in the capital area. We are not going anywhere in the future.”

And how does he envision the next five years? “Work, work, work,” he says with a smile. “But number one, two, and three is to strengthen my Christmas market even further,” says Bjarni, who for two decades has held a popular Christmas market at his studio in the lead‑up to the holidays.

“And then I imagine, sometime in the future when I’m an old man, working on the Christmas market here all year round.”

Bjarni — we all hope that the title of Municipal Artist of Hafnarfjörður 2026 will inspire you to continued success in your artistic work. Warm congratulations.

Those who have received the title of Municipal Artist of Hafnarfjörður are: 2025 – Arngunnur Ýr Gylfadóttir, visual artist
2024 – Ebba Katrín Finnsdóttir, actress
2023 – Pétur Gautur, visual artist
2022 – Björn Thoroddsen, guitarist
2021 – Friðrik Dór Jónsson, musician
2020 – Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir, children’s book author and illustrator
2019 – Björk Jakobsdóttir, actress and director
2018 – Björgvin Halldórsson, musician
2017 – Steingrímur Eyfjörð, visual artist
No municipal artists were appointed in 2015–2016
2014 – Andrés Þór Gunnlaugsson, musician
No municipal artists were appointed in 2010–2013
2009 – Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir, singer
2008 – Sigurður Sigurjónsson, actor
2007 – Jónína Guðnadóttir, visual artist
2006 – Elín Ósk Óskarsdóttir, singer
2005 – Sigrún Guðjónsdóttir (Rúna), visual artist

When selecting the Municipal Artist of Hafnarfjörður, the Culture and Tourism Committee invites nominations from residents of the town. A large number of nominations are submitted each year, as Hafnarfjörður has firmly established itself as a cradle of culture and the arts.

Hafnarfjörður is known for its vibrant cultural life, driven by dynamic artists, where the individual, their contribution, creativity, and participation play the most important role. The Municipal Artist receives a grant of half a million Icelandic krónur in recognition, to continue working on their art.