Ólafur Helgi Móberg Ólafsson - interview

Ólafur Helgi Móberg Ólafsson is a master's student in art education at the art education department of the Iceland Academy of the Arts.

„I was raised in Laugarnes and lived on Kleppsvegi. I had my childhood at Laugarnes School and then Laugarlækjarskóli. At Laugarlækjarskóli, my interest in acting was sparked and from there I went to the Polytechnic School in Breiðholt (FB) where my interest in acting got to flourish. I went to a handicraft course in FB, which sparked my interest in costume design and fashion, says Ólafur, but he has also long been very interested in acting and drag.

„In 2002, I got around to calling myself a drag queen and then I created the character Starína. I've been drag queen Starína for 23 years, but in recent years I've focused on reading children's books for children in libraries and at various other events around the country in the guise of Starína“.“

Photo: City Library

In 2009, Ólafur graduated and then went to Milan to study design at the school Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA), from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in fashion design in 2013.

„After my studies, I moved back to Iceland and wanted to deepen my skills in sewing. I started studying dressmaking at the Technical School and subsequently got a job with dressmaker Þórunni Sigurðardóttir, who then ran Katrína's wedding dress rental there, I worked for eight years and completed a dressmaking leaving exam in 2022“.“

NABA Final Project: Starina Couture 2013

After Ólafur finished his work at Katrína's Bridal Dress Rental, he wanted to focus more on the drag.

„I felt certain, however" creative drought, or need for new challenges, and physical difficulties began to take hold as my mobility worsened After I started reading to children as Starína, I have always wanted to write a children's book or put on a children's play I wonder what a message should be in such a work.

Many people told me that despite my mobility impairment, I had unique technical knowledge in textiles and design. I could easily explain my hands to others and share the knowledge, even if the mobility impairment sometimes makes it difficult for me to do certain things myself. It pushed me to look at the teaching, says Ólafur, but his experience of studying in the art education department has been very empowering.

Photo: David Terrazas

„After a long time appearing as a drag queen, but never seeing it as my art form, because it's all been the case that I have to be a fashion designer, visual artist or actor, those in the art education department have encouraged me very much in seeing drag as my art form and as how can I use drag to pass on knowledge“.“

The program has taught Ólafi to look at artistic creation and design in a wider context.

„Although physical challenges have changed the way I work with my hands, the program has shown me that my ability to guide and spark interest in others is even more valuable than the craft itself“, says Ólafur, who envisions using the program to bridge the gap between fashion design, craftsmanship and performing arts.

„I want to work in art communication where I use drag as a powerful tool to help others find confidence, language and courage to better understand their own identity. “ Namely, drag is an art form where all my passions combine; colors, storytelling, music and costumes in complete freedom. „

Ólafur Helgi is particularly passionate about showing that art studies and crafts are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.

„I myself have faced prejudice and know that life is complicated and obstacles can be big, but I want to teach others to write their own story and be true to themselves. " My message is about meeting the world with love, calmness and humor.

The teaching qualifications will give me professional tools to develop courses and projects that combine technical knowledge with theatrical expressionI would like to show that every person has infinite potential and power to transform their life through courage, creativity and kindness My goal is to show children and adults that love is always stronger. “

Photo: Erna Lóa Guðmundsdóttir

There are exciting times ahead in a new place.

„My boyfriend and I recently moved to Búðardal with our dog, but my boyfriend started working there as a music and music education teacher. I look forward to introducing Starína to a new community and continuing to read to children in libraries and events, but now with a deeper understanding of pedagogy and pedagogy in my suitcase. Through Starína, I want to continue to convey the joy and softness she represents“.“

Ólafur plans to use the stillness of the Valleys and the rest of his studies to lay the foundation for his big goal; to write a children's book or design a children's play.

„There I want to interweave craftsmanship, diversity and the important message that everyone has the power to manifest their true nature unashamed." I would like to use this work to show that while life is complex and obstacles can be large, we can always write our own story and meet the world with hope and empathy.

It is important for Ólafi to convey that art has no limits.

„While mobility impairments can change the way they work, they don't stop creativity. „ I look forward to being a role model for others who want to find their own ways in the arts and show that there are many ways to be a “master“ in their profession. “

Photo: Eva Ágústa Aradóttir

Article title: David Terrazas