Icelandic Visual Artist Andrea Maack on How Her Country Inspires Her Creations

1 September 2021

The visionary Andrea Maack blurs the boundaries between fashion, beauty, and art with her eponymous luxury fragrance brand, which she founded 11 years ago. Iceland has played a vital role in her creations since the launch.

Inspiration from Iceland

The brand emerged from a series of art exhibitions utilizing scent as a medium. Initially, it was not intended for sale, but due to popular demand, it evolved into a niche fragrance house. Museum visitors consistently inquired about purchasing the scents, prompting Maack to bottle her art. As she returned home after living abroad, Iceland increasingly influenced the brand’s essence, becoming an integral part of her style and personality. People travel from across the globe to experience Iceland’s spectacular nature, unique vibe, and the unpredictable lifestyle that comes with living on this island. Recently, a volcanic eruption occurred nearby, showcasing that Iceland is indeed nature’s amusement park at its finest.

Capturing the Essence of Iceland

Andrea aims to encapsulate the salty sea scent with a note of algae in a fragrance. This has proven challenging, yet as she relocates closer to the sea, she is determined to make it happen. Some of her fondest memories involve black beach strolls, the sensation of rain, and the touch of salt on her skin.

Connections with Icelandic Brands

In the beauty realm, Andrea admires Angan skincare, founded by a former architect turned beauty innovator. Angan offers incredibly fresh scrubs and masks that have become a staple for her. In fashion, she resonates with Kalda Shoes and Hildur Yeoman’s Reykjavík-based womenswear label, which has garnered attention from both local and international fashion enthusiasts.

Recommendations in Reykjavik

For visitors to Reykjavik, Andrea suggests experiencing the atmosphere at Grillmarkaðurinn restaurant, and for lunch, The Marshall House, a multifaceted cultural hub located in a former fish factory featuring exhibitions from The Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang gallery. When it comes to shopping, the harbor area is highly recommended for its local designer stores.

The Icelandic Creative Scene

The creative scene in Iceland is thriving. It features an impressive mix of mediums and a refreshing absence of constraints for young artists. Notably, Saga Sig transitioned from a photographer shooting for prominent brands to becoming a sought-after painter in Reykjavik. Similarly, Anna Maggy merges fashion with art and impactful messaging, gaining recognition by shooting for Vogue Italia. Andrea expresses pride in the way these local talents represent Icelandic creativity.

Reykjavik: A Unique City

Reykjavik maintains a spirited “I don’t care” attitude that she appreciates. Currently, she’s relocating to the Reykjanes Peninsula, offering a blend of natural tranquility and city vibes. Despite its small size, Reykjavik carries a feeling of expansiveness. As the former first lady Dorrit Moussaieff aptly mentioned, “Ísland er stærsta land í heimi,” translating to “we are the biggest smallest country in the world.”

Exploring Beyond the City

Outside the city, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a favorite destination for Andrea, known for the Blue Lagoon and other natural wonders. This area is also home to the recent volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur. Adventurous souls can find hidden gems, especially in the west where the roads are steep and phone reception is limited. Starting with Rauðisandur (Red Sands), visitors are encouraged to ask locals for additional recommendations.