Ólafur Helgi Móberg Ólafsson – interview

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

"I was raised in Laugarnes and lived on Kleppsvegur. I spent my childhood at Laugarnesskóli and then Laugarlækjarskóli. At Laugarlækjarskóli, my interest in acting was sparked, and from there I went to Fjölbrautskólann in Breiðholt (FB), where my interest in acting blossomed. I went to a craft course at FB, which sparked my interest in costume design and fashion," says Ólafur, who has also long had a keen interest in acting and drag.

"In 2002, I decided to call myself a drag queen and then I created the character Starína. I have been the drag queen Starína for about 23 years, but in recent years I have focused on reading children's books to children in libraries and at various other events around the country as Starína."

Photo: City Library

In 2009, Ólafur completed his high school diploma and then went to Milan to study design at the 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 sewing skills. I began studying dressmaking at the Technical School and subsequently got a job with dressmaker Þórunn Sigurðardóttir, who then ran Katrín's Wedding Dress Rental. I worked there for eight years and completed my exit exam in dressmaking in 2022."

NABA Final Project: Starina Couture 2013

After Ólafur finished working at Katrín's Wedding Dress Rental, he wanted to focus more on the draft.

"However, I felt certain creative drought, or a need for new challenges, and physical difficulties began to creep in as my mobility deteriorated. Ever since I started reading to children like Starína, I have always wanted to write a children's book or stage a children's play. I wondered what the message of such a work should be.

"Many people have told me that despite my physical disability, I have unique technical knowledge in textiles and design. I can easily explain techniques to others and share my knowledge, even if my physical disability sometimes makes it difficult for me to do certain things myself. That pushed me to look into teaching," says Ólafur, whose experience studying at the Art Education Department has been very empowering.

Photo: David Terrazas

"After performing as a drag queen for a long time, but never seeing it as my art form, because it's always been that I have to be a fashion designer, an artist or an actor, the people in the art education department have really encouraged me to see drag as my art form and also how I can use drag to pass on knowledge."

The program has taught Ólafur to look at artistic creation and design in a broader context.

"Although physical challenges have changed the way I work with my hands, the program has shown me that my ability to guide and inspire others is even more valuable than the craft itself," says Ólafur, who envisions using the program to bridge the gap between fashion design, craft, 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. Drag is an art form where all my passions come together; colors, storytelling, music and costumes in complete freedom."

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

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

The teaching license will give me the professional tools to develop courses and projects that combine technical knowledge and theatrical expression. I want to show that every individual has infinite potential and the power to transform their lives through courage, creativity and kindness. My goal is to show children and adults that love is always stronger.”

Photo: Erna Lóa Guðmundsdóttir

Exciting times lie ahead in a new place.

"My boyfriend and I recently moved to Búðardalur with our dog, where my boyfriend started working as a music and composition teacher. I look forward to introducing Starína to a new community and continuing to read to children at libraries and events, but now with a deeper understanding of parenting and pedagogy in my pocket. Through Starína, I want to continue to share the joy and softness that she represents."

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

"I want to weave together craftsmanship, diversity, and the important message that everyone has the power to reveal their true nature without shame. I want to use this work to show that although life is complicated and obstacles can be great, we can always write our own story and face the world with hope and compassion."

It is important to Ólafur to convey that art has no limits.

"While a disability can change the way you work, it doesn't stop your creativity. I look forward to being a role model for others who want to find their own path in the arts and showing that there are many ways to be a 'master' in your craft."

Photo: Eva Ágústa Aradóttir

Article title image: David Terrazas