Artifacting Geomythology in Rútshellir

This artefact captures lost narrative and heritage in the Icelandic landscape, where glaciers, hot-springs, ice-caves, and waterfalls coexist with folklore of Vikings, Elves, and Trolls. Graphite powder and volcanic ash is used to illustrate the ridges, paths, and falls of contours are etched with the ‘sagas’ of this special place.

In referencing landscape, literature, and Icelandic art, this layered map drawing/model captures the context of Hrútshellir (Rútur's) Cave. In a Nordic Island where Viking myths come alive in the Anthropocene, yet re-treat to the Holocene, it explores architecture as a monument of the past and present, whilst amplifying the danger of lost heritage.

The originality of the work lies in the methods used to capture and convey place, narrative, and landscape. Ideas of material and tectonic cultures, pluralism, othering, and otherness evidence early placemaking practices. This socio-spatial fragment of time and place explores the forms, environments, landscapes, and constructs created by both mythical and geographical characters. It is an exploration of a disorienting, everchanging place borne from the quotidian and enchanted.