The effects of proximity and isolation on a culture are best understood when we are able to take a good step
back or lean in just a little bit closer, revealing the macro-and-microstructures that unite its geological, biological, and cultural landscapes.

For about a millennium, the people who settled Iceland grappled with its inhospitable conditions, ultimately
finding a way to coexist with its natural forces and even taming some of them for heating and power. The unique identity that emerged from this struggle is reflected in their rich literary tradition.

Iceland – a selectively membranous cell removed from, yet still connected within a rapidly globalizing world –
has undergone a rapid shift in the last century. The active movement between the island and continental Europe has meant that the effects of isolation and homogeneity are not as pervasive as one would expect. With increased tourism and global connectivity, new challenges have emerged, including how to integrate foreign influences while preserving Iceland’s language, long-standing traditions, the rights of immigrant workers, and a fragile ecosystem.

Curated by: