Björn Roth, the Icelandic artist, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 64.
Born in Reykjavík in 1961, Björn was the son of renowned Swiss artist Dieter Roth and Icelandic visual artist Sigríður Björnsdóttir.
Throughout his career, he collaborated extensively with his father, whose influence on the international art scene was profound. Björn’s mother, Sigríður, too, was a pioneering figure in the field of art therapy.
Bruni BB and Rock in Reykjavík
Björn’s artistic journey was deeply intertwined with his father’s legacy, though he also ventured into music during his youth. One of his most notable projects was the trailblazing avantgarde band Bruni BB, which gained recognition through the documentary Rock in Reykjavík.
A cover of the Bruni BB cassette.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Björn shared in a 2018 interview with RÚV that his father taught him a valuable lesson: no matter what you do, the best part of the day is spent creating.
The news of Björn Roth’s passing was announced on the Dieter Roth Academy’s Facebook page, which honoured his memory with a heartfelt message. “A large part of history has left us – but also leaves us with many happy, crazy, sometimes incredible stories and memories. God bless you, son!” the post reads.