Ljiljana Maletin Vojvodić //

I spent the first week of 2025 in a Writers’ house in Iceland. On the last day of the previous year, I experienced the breathtaking aurora borealis while simultaneously gazing at a beam of light from Viðey Island, an installation dedicated to John Lennon. My journey then kicked off with a visit to the Reykjavik Art Museum, where I lost track of time in their bookstore, captivated by the visual-musical installation by Jonsi, the frontman of Sigur Ros. Stepping outside, I marveled at the harbor and the ocean—two sights I had fallen in love with through one of Björk’s music videos.

In my studio at the Writers’ house, I organized my notes and jotted down reflections about Iceland. However, my thoughts often drifted back home, where student protests were stirring something significant.

I repurposed old paper bags from the popular discount grocery chain, Bonus, and used promotional materials left behind by previous writers from the museum and tourist center. With these, I created two collages—eco-friendly, recycled, and self-sustaining pieces that I proudly displayed in the residency.

Throughout the week, I continued to write and capture my thoughts, weaving my creativity into a unique artistic journey.