Deacon of Dark River

Created in Reykjavik, on the old Iceland Opera building, this mural was part of the Wall Poetry Festival. Each artist was paired with an Icelandic musician, For my piece, I drew inspiration from John Grant’s song “Pale Green Ghost” and in line with the theatrical setting, an old popular Icelandic ghost story called “Djákinn á Myrká” (Deacon of Dark River). It is a story of two lovers separated by death, the young deacon returns to life with his horse on Christmas to bring his love Guðrún to his home. Having been killed days earlier without her knowledge due to a bad storm, a hood covers his head to shield his gaping wound. While on the journey his hood slips and with the help of the full moon, sees his wound and realizes he has been calling her Gaurin, in Icelandic folklore demons and the dead can not say the word God which is the first part of Guðrún’s name. Once they arrive she sees his open grave, feels him grab her towards it, and narrowly escapes this dark fate. A massive charmed stone is placed on his grave to ensure he stays there and that stone is still there to this day.

Although embodying a ghost story on the surface, this piece speaks to domestic abuse and the courage it takes to leave those you thought you knew and loved, behind.

Huge thanks @icelandairwaves and @urbannationberlin for putting together this amazing project of Wall Poetry. To the Icelandic Opera for their help in acquiring costumes and props. @m_matthiasdottir for modeling and the inspiring artists I was with for this great adventure.

Acrylic + Aerosol on concrete

2015

Photo Credit: Artist and Nika Kramer