Uppspretta

Uppspretta is a colorful mural painted on a water tower in Keflavík that rises nine meters high with a circumference of 36 meters. The artwork covers the entire tower surface and displays a visual story told through vibrant, expressive colors and detailed illustrations.

The mural was created in 2013 during an art project when eleven artists from five different countries collaborated to transform an abandoned water tower into a major artwork. The seven-week summer project brought together international talent to reimagine this structure.

The mural tells the story of a puffin character named Uppspretta who travels from Iceland to the Netherlands seeking adventure and love. The narrative unfolds across the entire tower surface in colorful, expressive images that capture the bird's journey.

This artwork is freely accessible and can be viewed at any time since it sits on a public water tower in Keflavík. Visitors should plan to visit during daylight hours when sunlight best highlights the colors and details of the painted surface.

During the creation of this artwork, the artists faced brutal weather and found an unexpected solution: they used empty coffee bags instead of plastic sheets to protect their work from powerful winds. This practical ingenuity reveals how the team adapted to the harsh Icelandic environment.