Artist vs Multi-Billion $ Company - Fight for Free Speech

Who I Am:

My name is ODEE (Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson). I am an artist and MA Fine Arts student at the University of Bergen - KMD. My work often challenges power structures and raises questions about corporate accountability and social justice.

The Artwork:

Last year, I created a conceptual art piece titled "We're Sorry". This project was inspired by the infamous "Fishrot" scandal, where the Icelandic fishing company Samherji was implicated in bribery and corruption in Namibia. The artwork replicated Samherji’s official website, but with a bold, unapologetic apology displayed prominently. It was a statement against corporate wrongdoing and a call for accountability.

“We’re Sorry” didn’t stop at the digital realm; it extended into a mural at the Reykjavík Art Museum, bringing the message into public space and sparking widespread discussion.

The Court Case:

Due to the provocative nature of the artwork, Samherji, a multi-billion dollar company, has taken legal action against me. The case is now headed to trial in the High Court of London. This legal battle is not just about me; it’s about defending freedom of speech and the role of art in holding powerful entities accountable.

Why I Need Your Help:

As a student and artist, I am facing overwhelming odds against a corporation with vast resources. The past year, I have received specialised and dedicated support from the team at Avant-Garde Lawyers, led by free speech lawyer Andra Matei. Together with AGL, we are standing up for the freedom of artistic expression to ensure that big corporations cannot silence creative voices who speak truth to power. The next step in these legal proceedings is an in-person court hearing in London - and that requires a lot more resources and capacity than we currently possess !

We urgently need to raise money to cover travel and related expenses for my legal team to attend the trial in the UK.

How You Can Help:

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in ensuring that this fight for freedom of speech can continue. By supporting this cause, you are not only helping me, but you are also standing up for the rights of artists and activists everywhere.

Please share this campaign widely and help us raise the funds needed to ensure that justice prevails.

Thank you for your support.

With gratitude,

ODEE