Seydisfjordur: harbour for lost souls

In September 2017, BUILD supported my journey to the LungA School in Seydisfjordur Iceland. LungA takes place in a tiny fishing village cut off from the rest of the world. Nestled in a deep valley, to enter Seydisfjordur you must first journey up through cloud cover before coming back down to the shore. It feels very much like you’ve ventured into another land.

Home to one shop and three art residencies the town is very much taken over with artists. The LungA School is more of a work of art itself than a school. Run by two artists and philosophers, it creates space for anarchy and confusion to dwell. It’s bizarre manifesto draws unique individuals from all over the globe to teach, practice and think art.

I spent three months there watching auroras, yodelling in silos, hiking past frozen waterfalls and making art. It is a very special place that our world offers. So special that often people find it hard to leave the tiny village; feelings of it being an artistic utopia. After this immersive experience, coming back to Sydney feels harsh and fast paced. I still cling onto the lessons and insight it taught me, the space for confusion and questioning it gave me.

If you’re looking for a place to get lost in, Seydisfjordur is the place for you.

Instagram @joannajoyprojects

Global Short Programs Student