Jónsi (Jón Þór Birgisson), lead singer of the world-famous Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, created an experiential artwork for the National Nordic Museum. FLÓÐ, “Flood” in Icelandic, opens on March 17th and runs through July 30th.
The exhibit is a captivating art experience inspired by the ocean and the dire realities of climate change. It features original music created by Jónsi and invites participants to let the room engage all their senses.
FLÓÐ is Jónsi’s first U.S. museum exhibition and represents the natural connection between sister cities, Seattle and Reykjavík. It immerses participants in an oceanic interpretation. Jónsi’s music is augmented by a choir composition and field recordings, simulating the experience of a wave traveling the length of the gallery while the scent of seaweed, tinctured and distilled by the artist, fills the air, and a delicate mist of droplets touch the skin.
When asked about the exhibit, Jónsi said “It is a spatial scent and sound sculpture, my main inspiration being the ocean. First, I was thinking about Reykjavík and Seattle, both being these coastal fishing cities and the ocean being this ominous and mysterious force playing a central part in our lives.”
Jónsi has also designed installations that replicate other natural phenomena, including white-out blizzard conditions and a volcanic eruption in his home country of Iceland.
There are numerous programs for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of FLÓÐ, including art classes and a silent disco with a Jónsi-curated playlist on July 28. A University of Washington professor gives a lightning-style lecture on the Viking Era before screening How to Train Your Dragon 2 – featuring Jónsi’s music – in the Museum’s final installment of the Fact & Fiction Film Series. In June, Icelandic wellness expert Jósa Goodlife will offer several sound bath experiences. For younger visitors, there will be opportunities to enjoy sensory play days on a monthly basis from April through June.
