Reykjavík Grapevine - 23.05.2008, Blaðsíða 46

B14 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 06 2008 | Article
Despite its picturesque landscape and all, obtain-
ing the title “photographer” in Iceland has long
been a rather strenuous process. Most Icelandic
photographers are educated abroad, but in recent
years Sissa’s School of Photography has inspired
a dawn of a new era in photography education
where seasoned Icelandic pros pass their knowl-
edge on to newcomers.
The alleged discharge, though, is only fac-
tual for about half the students, as Sissa now offers
an 18 month extension to the previously one year
study.
When Grapevine caught up with her she
informed us that this was in fact the reason for
the school’s founding, and her students simply
wouldn’t forsake her. And so the brief seminar she
began with in ’97 has evolved into the only decent
private photography school in Iceland. She ex-
plains that over these ten years, photography has
morphed from being somewhat of an underrated
industry in Iceland into being a respected form
of art and the request for such education has in-
creased.
When asked about the difference between
other educational institutions of the same kind in
Iceland, Sissa replies that her school is more fo-
cused on artistic creation than technical aspects.
The school does not follow the old tradition where
the same professional mentors students for up to
two years. Instead, they have a wide selection of
photographers who swap their disciples every
now and then, which results in a more diverse stu-
dent experience.
The only drawback to Sissa’s school is its
lack of degree offerings. But students gradu-
ate only with a certificate of completion. Árni, a
graduating student of Sissa’s, doesn’t look at this
as an obstacle but has great faith in Sissa’s ability
to obtain her permit to administrate degrees soon.
He looks back on his year as a great experience
and says all prejudices about the ‘over the top tu-
ition for not so excellent education’ are based on
nescience. Thirteen students are involved in this
year’s showcase and their number also represents
their vast difference in intonations.
So, if you are into champagne, live jazz and
interesting photos, show up at the opening in Hól-
maslód 6, May 31 at 15:00.
Sissa’s School of
Photography
Clockwise from top left: Viktor Svan, Anna Margrét
Óskarsdóttir, Guðfinna Magnúsdóttir, Edda Björns-
dóttir, Leifur Wilberg.