During our three days in Oslo, it was apparent that the Norwegians have a great passion for stimulating art. In previous posts I highlighted the fabulous artwork in our hotel, The Thief, and the incredible Vigeland sculptures in Frogner Park. But there is exciting art everywhere – in galleries and in public spaces.
The Thief is located in the Tjuvholmen area of the city, which is home to the new Astrup Fearnley Museum, a work of art in itself designed by Renzo Piano, renowned architect also responsible for a number of contemporary buildings such as The Shard, the Pompidou Centre (with Richard Rogers) and the Morgan Library in New York.
Free to Oslo Pass holders, the gallery contains some stunning works by Damien Hirst including the famous cow and calf in formaldehyde work, Mother and Child (Divided). There are pieces by Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Jeff Koons. While we were there they had a contemporary exhibition, Biography, by duo Elmgreen & Dragset: challenging installations such as a huge swimming pool with a body floating in the middle (his shoes remaining on the side). Their work continued into the cloakrooms: let’s hope no-one tried to use the urinals in there…
Elsewhere in the city art pops up everywhere – unusual sculptures on the street or in the water.
Here are some of my favourite examples:
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| Motorbikes transformed into art. Known locally as ‘Rudolph the chrome nosed reindeer’ |
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| ‘She Lies’ by Monica Bonvicini, a 12m x17m steel and glass structure floating in Oslo harbour |
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| ‘Titi’ by Jeff Koons |
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| ‘He’ by duo Elmgreen & Dragset. A partner for the Little Mermaid? He sits looking out of the window onto the waters of the fjord. |
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| ‘Moonrise.east.november’ by Ugo Rondinone
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The motordeer is quite stylish, but I like Mr Potato-head with Zippy's teeth best. You can be silly with it too (always a plus). 🙂
That's a great description of the last sculpture!
Not sure about Titi but She Lies is amazing.
There were a few pieces like Titi (or Tweety) by Jeff Koons – I quite liked them as you expected them to be just balloons but they were made of metal, usually stainless steel.
I love She Lies, I could stare at that for hours! Not sure about the last one, looks a bit like Barney the dinosaur to me!
A friend on Facebook thought he looked like Barney too!
It's the reindeer for me – what fantastic art you saw. You have really sold me Oslo!
The reindeer wasn't easy to spot – in a little covered alley – which made it all the more thrilling when we saw him.
So pleased to have sold Oslo to you, Sarah.
I really like the last one. You wouldn't have a bad day if that was in your garden would you? 😀
It makes me smile too – and pleased that, given enough stone, I might have been able to create it!
I love the motorbike reindeer – so original! My desire to visit Oslo is getting bigger and bigger…I love cities with art all around. #citytripping
We always hunt out art on our city breaks – inside and out. Oslo was a super city to visit – lots of new development on the waterfront, a real cosmopolitan feel.
Having just come back from Copenhagen I like the Little Mermaid’s friend. Looking forward to visiting Oslo next year and checking out all the art. Thanks for sharing
Hope you enjoy your trip, Katy.
I liked Vigeland park and the sculpture She lies. I didn’t see the other ones. #city tripping
I imagine some of the ones in the Astrup Fearnley museum may have changed now. The motorbike reindeer was hidden in an alleyway so we only came across him by chance.
I had no idea there was so much art in Oslo – I do have a mixed reaction to some of it, the motorbike reindeer is clever but a lot of the rest leaves me a bit cold. Lovely to be able to visit somewhere with all these pieces getting you thinking though. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I agree – like or loathe, art is stimulating and everyone sees things differently. There was some very weird stuff in the museum that I didn’t like at all but I bet some people rave over it.
Wow! I had no idea that the Norwegians were so keen on weird and wonderful art. My kids would love Rudolph the chrome nosed reindeer but I think my favourite would be She Lies… #citytripping
‘She Lies’ is a beautiful piece of art and you appreciate it more when you see it in situ, floating in the harbour near the very modern Opera House.
I wasn’t in Oslo long enough when I stayed there recently. The only one of these I saw was She Lies! Hey ho, I’ll just have to go back there again I suppose…..:-)
How fantastic to come across all these works of art in the city. She Lies look like a spectacular structure. We are planning a trip to Oslo so this has made me even more excited about visiting. #citytripping