Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney, daughter of the iconic Icelandic singer Bjork and avant-garde artist Matthew Barney, has been carving her own path in the arts since childhood. At just 22, she recently took on her first lead role in Asthildur Kjartansdottir’s film The Mountain, where she portrays a teenager grappling with family grief. Her journey into acting began at the age of 10, when she enrolled in theater classes at her private school in New York. “And from there it just flew,” she recalls.
The opportunity to work with acclaimed director Robert Eggers during her final school year marked a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career. Despite the challenge of balancing filming with her exams, Barney’s determination never wavered. Her role in The Mountain showcases her multifaceted talents, as she not only acts but also sings, contributing to the film’s musical elements with her castmates.
The Artistic Legacy of Bjork and Matthew Barney
Being the daughter of Bjork and Matthew Barney, Isadora—or Doa, as she is affectionately known—has always been surrounded by creativity. Her parents’ acrimonious split in 2013 led to a life split between New York and Reykjavik, where she juggled various jobs in music production, film crews, and even at a record shop. “That’s the Icelandic way,” she quips, noting the cultural fluidity she embraces.
In The Mountain, Barney plays Anna, a young musician whose life is upended by the sudden death of her mother, Maria, a passionate astronomer. The film explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the pressures of emerging adulthood. Anna’s father, Atli, a former punk band member turned electrician, struggles with his own guilt, while Anna navigates her burgeoning music career and an unexpected pregnancy.
The Duality of Identity
Barney’s bicultural background informs her perspective and performance. “My Icelandic side is different from my American one; like anyone who is bicultural,” she explains. Her ability to shift between cultures is evident in her work and personal life. “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!” she adds with a chuckle.
This duality is mirrored in The Mountain, where the characters struggle to communicate their emotions in the wake of tragedy. Barney’s portrayal of Anna captures the complexity of a young woman caught between grief and the demands of life.
A Journey of Firsts
Barney’s attraction to the role of Anna stemmed from the character’s multifaceted journey. “I think Anna’s teetering carefully on multiple precipices,” she reflects. “There is that sense of helplessness in her situation, which is something we all sometimes want to succumb to.” Her own life experiences resonate with Anna’s struggles, making the role deeply personal.
Despite being a last-minute casting choice, Barney’s performance in The Mountain has been lauded for its authenticity. Her previous work with Robert Eggers in The Northman, where she played a Viking-era slave named Melkorka, showcased her ability to embody complex characters. Eggers, who collaborated with Icelandic poet Sjon on the script, was introduced to Barney through Bjork, who had a cameo in the film.
Reflections on an Uncertain Path
Barney’s career, much like her character’s journey in The Mountain, is marked by uncertainty and exploration. “There isn’t a career path that’s pre-written if you’re committed to a life in the arts,” she notes. This sentiment echoes the broader experience of many young artists navigating the unpredictable world of creative professions.
As she continues to explore her artistic identity, Barney remains grounded in her heritage and experiences. Her ability to navigate the complexities of her dual identity and the pressures of her lineage speaks to her resilience and adaptability.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Barney is poised to continue her exploration of diverse roles and artistic endeavors. Her work in The Mountain and collaborations with prominent directors signal a promising future in the arts. As she balances her Icelandic roots with her American upbringing, Barney embodies the spirit of a new generation of artists unafraid to forge their own paths.
In a world where the lines between personal and professional life often blur, Isadora Bjarkardottir Barney stands as a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage while boldly stepping into the unknown.
