Get to know Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir: From Fireworks to Blazing Blossoms
A Month of Fire and Flowers at Center Hotels
Throughout the month of March, Center Hotels is celebrating the artistry of Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir by offering special Eldblóm cocktails at our various bars. This exclusive collaboration brings the essence of her breathtaking Eldblóm concept to life, allowing guests to experience fire and flowers in a glass. Whether you're intrigued by the idea of sipping on natural fireworks or simply want to indulge in a uniquely Icelandic creation, these cocktails offer a taste of art, nature, and innovation. Discover the creative universe of this unique Icelandic artist and entrepreneur who has redefined the intersection of performance, nature, and design.
From Dance to Fireworks
Sigríður Soffía, affectionately known as Sigga Soffía, began her artistic journey in the world of dance. After graduating from Iceland University of the Arts in 2009, she pursued aerial acrobatics at the École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque in Brussels. However, her artistic ambitions stretched far beyond the stage.
She gained national recognition when she choreographed fireworks displays for Reykjavík’s Culture Night from 2013 to 2015, where she turned explosive pyrotechnics into a choreographed spectacle. Her work on "Elda" in 2013 even earned her the DV Cultural Prize. This success led her to an even grander stage—designing the opening fireworks display for La Mercé Festival in Barcelona in 2017, mesmerizing a crowd of two million with her Northern Lights-inspired show.
Eldblóm: Where Fire Meets Flora
While working with fireworks, Sigga Soffía discovered an enchanting connection between fire and flowers. The Japanese word for fireworks, "Hanabi", literally means "fire flower"—a poetic concept that sparked her imagination.
It turns out that fireworks were originally inspired by certain flowers, and the very first firework designed in the shape of a flower was the Double Chrysanthemum with Pistil, created in 1926. Now, with Eldblóm, you can drink natural fireworks.
This idea blossomed into Eldblóm, an installation where 850 flowers bloomed in a synchronized pattern, mimicking a slow-motion fireworks show in Hallargarður Park, Reykjavík. The project was a sensory explosion, where petals replaced sparks, and fragrance took the place of gunpowder.
Her artistic question was simple yet profound:Why not grow fireworks?
A New Kind of Fireworks: Sippable and Edible
Eldblóm soon evolved into something beyond installation art. Inspired by nature’s brilliance, Sigga Soffía began crafting products that capture the essence of her floral firework vision.
Her latest creations include:
Eldblóma Elexír – An Icelandic spritz infused with floral and botanical notes, celebrating the country's natural flavors.
A unique health-conscious jello – A reinvented treat inspired by edible flowers and traditional non-toxic Icelandic ingredients.
Perfumes made from edible flowers – Extracted from blossoms she cultivates herself, merging scent with taste.
Eldblóm doesn’t just celebrate Icelandic nature—it harvests it.The brand picks wild rhubarb from the Westfjords, and its signature flowers are grown from seed in Iceland.
Fire Flowers in a Glass
Did you know that the cocktail of the month, Fire Flower, is made from this very art installation?Served in select Reykjavik bars, this drink is inspired by Sigga Soffía’s vision of blending fireworks and flowers, with the chrysanthemum—the first firework-shaped bloom—at its heart.
Art, Optimism, and a Personal Journey
Sigga Soffía’s creative vision goes beyond aesthetics—her work is deeply personal. In 2023, she published the poetry book "Til hamingju með að vera mannleg" ("Congratulations on Being Human"), which she later adapted into a theater performance at Iceland’s National Theatre. The show received three nominations for the prestigious Gríman Awards.
Her journey took another meaningful turn in 2024 when she designed Iceland’s Pink Ribbon for the Cancer Society, a cause especially close to her heart following her own battle with breast cancer in 2020.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Eldblóm
For her groundbreaking work across multiple artistic disciplines, Sigga Soffía received the Icelandic Optimism Award in 2023. With Eldblóm, she continues to blur the lines between performance, nature, and product design, bringing color, light, and life to every project she touches.
From dancing in the air to choreographing the skies and now bottling the magic of Icelandic nature, Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir is a visionary artist who refuses to be confined by tradition. Instead, she invites us into a world where fireworks bloom, drinks sparkle, and flowers tell a story.
Where to Experience Eldblóm
If you're curious to taste the magic of Eldblóm, you can enjoy special Eldblóm cocktails at SKÝ Lounge & Bar, Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar, and Ísafold Lounge & Bar. These unique drinks bring the floral firework experience to life—one sip at a time.
For more information about Eldblóm, upcoming products, and events, visit eldblom.com.