ODEE
Concept and Performance Artist
ODEE (Odee Friðriksson) is an Icelandic artist renowned for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art through his innovative and provocative conceptual and performative pieces. Born and raised in Iceland, ODEE has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the intersection of art, society, and power structures. His work often explores themes of corporate malfeasance, social justice, and the role of media in shaping public perception.
ODEE Friðriksson holds a BA in Fine Art from the Iceland University of the Arts and an MFA from the University of Bergen – Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design (KMD). His practice as a conceptual and performance artist centers on institutional critique, legal intervention, and public disruption. Through acts of détournement, satire, and media manipulation, he uses art as a platform to confront power structures and provoke public discourse.
Some of ODEE’s most notable works are We’re Sorry, MOM air, Starbucks Iceland, Wendy’s Inc Iceland and Bergen Kunsthall Project.
We’re Sorry is a conceptual piece that boldly addresses corporate wrongdoing by the Icelandic fishing company Samherji. Inspired by the “Fishrot” scandal, the artwork replicated the Samherji website with a bold apology prominently displayed. This piece extended into a public mural at the Reykjavík Art Museum, amplifying its impact and sparking a high-profile legal battle that has garnered international attention.
MOM air is another groundbreaking project that further solidified ODEE’s reputation as a fearless and innovative artist. This conceptual and performative piece parodied the collapse of WOW air, reimagining it as MOM air, a fictional low-cost airline. The project captivated a global audience, reaching over 1 billion viewers and landing on the front page of CNN twice. Through *MOM air*, ODEE explored themes of consumerism, corporate identity, and the thin line between reality and fiction in today’s media-driven world.
ODEE’s ability to blend art with activism has brought contemporary art into the public spotlight, engaging a broader audience and forcing meaningful conversations about the role of art in society. His work has not only captivated the art world but has also reached people who typically overlook fine art, inspiring them to engage in dialogues about its significance and impact.
With a career that has seen his work reach over a billion viewers worldwide and featured prominently in international media, ODEE continues to challenge conventions and expand the reach of contemporary art. His work stands as a testament to the power of art as a force for change, sparking both dialogue and action in the face of global issues.