"Literature can be anything. It's total freedom, and it's probably my need for freedom that made me a writer." In this interview, acclaimed Icelandic author Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir reflects on her journey as a writer and the profound influence that language, culture – and freedom have had on her work.

Ólafsdóttir describes her experience as a writer in a minority language, noting the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. "I was someone who wrote in a minority marginal language that no one understands, Icelandic," she explains. She emphasizes the power and potential of language, not only as a tool for communication but also as a means of miscommunication and misunderstanding.

Throughout the interview, Ólafsdóttir touches on various aspects of her writing process and philosophy. She discusses the importance of creating a "safe space" for readers, stating, "My goal is to make them finish the book. That would be excellent. That would make me happy." She also speaks about her desire to surprise and engage readers, offering them new perspectives and insights into their own lives.

Ólafsdóttir's novels often explore complex themes, such as the human condition, the environment, and cultural loss. In one of her recent works, she delves into the topic of dying languages, highlighting the loss of unique ways of thinking and cultural expressions as languages become extinct. "By the end of this century, if this goes on, 90 percent of the languages will be extinct," she laments.

The conversation also covers Ólafsdóttir's journey to becoming a writer, which she describes as a gradual process. She initially worked full-time as a teacher and art historian, writing her first novels in the evenings after putting her children to bed. Despite these challenges, she always knew she would become a writer. "I just had to find time to get [the stories] out, and the voice, the right voice, and the maturity also," she shares.

Ólafsdóttir's works are deeply influenced by her experiences studying and living in various countries. She mentions the impact of French and Italian literature on her writing, as well as her appreciation for visual art, particularly the work of French artist Pierre Soulages. "I see and write a bit in images," she remarks.

Ultimately, Ólafsdóttir believes that literature has the power to provide comfort and perspective to readers, even in the face of existential threats. She sees writing as a means of offering hope and reassurance: "One of the things I find so beautiful with humans is how we try to somehow say to each other, 'It would be all right.'"

Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir was born in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 1958. She is a renowned novelist, playwright, and poet known for her works that explore complex themes such as identity, relationships, and the human experience. Ólafsdóttir's notable achievements include receiving the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 2018 for her novel ‘Hotel Silence’ and the Icelandic Literary Prize for her novel ‘Miss Iceland’ in 2019. In 2023 her novel Eden appeared. Her works have been translated into numerous languages, establishing her as one of Iceland's most significant contemporary writers.

Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir was interviewed by Klaus Rothstein in August 2023 in connection with the Louisiana Literature Festival at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark.

Camera: Rasmus Quistgaard
Edit: Signe Boe Pedersen
Produced by Christian Lund

Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024.
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling, and Fritz Hansen.

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