Guido Van Helten Paints Ship Mural in Iceland
In August 2015, Australian street artist Guido Van Helten, accompanied by filmmaker Selina Miles, traveled to Akureyri, Iceland, to paint a mural on the side of the SÆFFARI, the only vessel connecting Akureyri to the island of Grímsey. The artist completed the large monochromatic portrait in just two days, working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The mural depicts a woman in a traditional Icelandic wool sweater, based on a photograph of an unknown subject. The boat owner notes that every ship tells a story, and viewers interpret the image variously as a mother who lost her son at sea or a guardian angel protecting the vessel. Miles documented the entire process in a 6-minute film, from the journey to the island to the public reception of the artwork.
Key facts
- Guido Van Helten painted a mural on the SÆFFARI ship in Akureyri, Iceland.
- The project took place in August 2015.
- The artist worked from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for two days.
- The mural is a monochromatic portrait of an unknown woman in a traditional Icelandic sweater.
- The SÆFFARI is the only boat connecting Akureyri to Grímsey.
- Selina Miles documented the process in a 6-minute film.
- The artwork was inspired by a photograph of an unidentified woman.
- Public interpretations include a grieving mother and a guardian angel.
Entities
Artists
- Guido Van Helten
- Selina Miles
Locations
- Akureyri
- Iceland
- Grímsey