The author of the MOM air Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson published official statement in which he revealed it was not a real airline, but his project for BA programm in Fine Arts in Icelandic university of Arts.
“My artwork titled “MOM air” was exhibited today as a part of a final project for Icelandic university of Arts where I study BA in Fine Arts”, Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson said in the statement, “The presentation in front of the audience today is just the tip of the iceberg, showcasing a glimpse of the living artwork which calls society it’s home. People from around the globe have interacted with the piece in some way shape or form. With over 30 global news articles, radio interviews, and more the global phenomenon MOM air reached millions and literally turned their reality upside down.”
He told that creation of the brand, website, and marketing material during preparations for the final project took about 2-3 weeks. After launching the website and sending out press releases the artwork gained a life of its own. “Every 6-8 hours I would change the errors people would encounter on the website to keep them busy and involved. At first, they would be stuck on a loading screen, then advance one step, they would be asked to clear their cache or cookies, open the website in different browsers and devices, etc”, Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson told, “I received dozens of complaints, thousands of booking requests, thousands of followers on Instagram, multiple job applications, thousands of comments, global coverage reaching millions, influencer cooperation, company sponsorship, multiple service offers, and more!”
He said that, at one point he had been offered a fleet of airplanes, service and cabin crew, slots at airports and marketing assistance from a global enterprise.
“If you ask why? I think it’s quite obvious but also very dependant on where and how the viewer enters and interacts with the artwork. The artwork is multi-layered and full of meaning. It will take me months to dissect the pure amount of data for future exhibition purposes”, said Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson.