Brunnur / The Well

In 2017, Ragna presented Brunnur (The Well), an exhibition in memory of her parents. The title symbolized a deep source—both a wellspring of personal history and the origins of her creative practice. The works were inspired by memories of her childhood home in Mosfellsdalur, capturing fragments of the past and intimate connections. Some pieces were direct dedications—such as embroidered roses honoring her father, a rose farmer, and a textile sampler incorporating patterns her mother used to knit.

Ragna works with textures and colors, layering different materials to build intricate textile compositions. Through this process, she reimagines textiles, giving them new meaning and value. She repurposes various fabrics—old clothing, forgotten and abandoned textiles, found materials—bringing them together into a unified expression.

Her approach to textiles is innovative, bending and reshaping tradition while fearlessly challenging unspoken rules that define what is "allowed" or "forbidden." While drawing inspiration from textile heritage, she also employs contemporary technology, using machine embroidery to replicate traditional handwork. How closely can we imitate craft through mechanization?

Throughout her career as both a designer and an artist, Ragna has worked across mixed techniques, often using the sewing machine as a freehand drawing tool. At the same time, she programs large embroidery machines to explore form and texture.