Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney, the daughter of Icelandic singer Björk and avant-garde artist Matthew Barney, has been carving her own path in the arts since she was just a child. Now 22, she recently starred in her first lead role in The Mountain, a film by Asthildur Kjartansdottir that explores themes of family grief and personal growth. Her journey into acting began at the age of 10, when she started taking theatre classes at her private school in New York.
“And from there it just flew,” Barney recalls. Her determination to pursue acting was evident when, during her final year of school, she seized the opportunity to work with director Robert Eggers while balancing her academic commitments. Barney’s recent performance in The Mountain showcases her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes, as she portrays Anna, a teenage girl grappling with her father’s emotional collapse after the sudden death of her mother.
Balancing Dual Cultures and Careers
Barney’s life is a testament to the balancing act between her Icelandic and American identities. Following her parents’ separation in 2013, she split her time between New York and Reykjavik, immersing herself in both cultures. “My Icelandic side is different from my American one,” she explains. “There is a reason why certain languages develop in certain places. It’s like it’s cold, so whatever you’re feeling, just spit it out because it’s too cold to stand out here and chew the fat!”
Her bicultural experience is reflected in her work, whether she’s singing in a band or working on film crews. Barney’s voice, described as both “sawing and soaring,” is a key element in The Mountain, where she collaborated with fellow cast members to create the film’s musical pieces.
The Artistic Influence of Björk and Matthew Barney
Growing up as the daughter of two iconic figures in the art and music worlds, Isadora Barney was exposed to creativity from an early age. Björk, known for her eclectic and innovative music, and Matthew Barney, a leading figure in contemporary art, have undoubtedly influenced their daughter’s artistic pursuits. Despite the weight of her parents’ legacies, Barney is forging her own path, unafraid to explore new artistic avenues.
In The Mountain, Barney’s character Anna is faced with numerous life-altering decisions, mirroring the unpredictable nature of her own career in the arts. “I think Anna’s teetering carefully on multiple precipices,” Barney says. “There is that sense of helplessness in her situation, which is something we all sometimes want to succumb to; she’s stepping in and out of that, embarking on journeys of grief, of adulthood, of both motherhood and losing a mother, of being a daughter in this new way, of being an artist.”
From Last-Minute Casting to Leading Role
Barney’s journey to her first lead role was unexpected. Initially cast as a last-minute replacement, her performance in The Mountain has been praised for its depth and authenticity. This opportunity followed her role in Eggers’ The Northman, where she played a singing slave named Melkorka. Her involvement in the film came through a connection facilitated by her mother, Björk, who had introduced Eggers to Icelandic poet Sjón.
Despite the challenges of navigating a career in the arts, Barney remains committed to her craft. “There isn’t a career path that’s pre-written if you’re committed to a life in the arts,” she reflects. “It’s never completely clear if she’s making the right decision. And that’s comforting, because even if you are making the right decision, it doesn’t always feel that way.”
The Road Ahead for Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney
As Barney continues to explore her artistic capabilities, she remains grounded in her dual heritage and the lessons learned from her parents’ careers. Her ability to seamlessly blend her Icelandic and American influences is a testament to her adaptability and resilience. With a promising career ahead, Barney is poised to make a significant impact in the world of film and music, guided by her unique perspective and unwavering determination.
As she navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney is a rising star to watch, embodying the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines her lineage.
