As mentioned towards the end of the Oslo highlights essay, there is one attraction in Oslo that I rate as unique and utterly fascinating. It is the Vigeland installation in Frogner Park, which consists of over two hundred of bronze and granite sculptures by a single Norwegian artist, Gustav Vigeland.
The sculptures represent a wide-ranging study of human body, emotion, and interaction. I am not enough of an expert to judge the artistic quality of the work but the cumulative effect is tremendously impressive.
Here is the view along the main axis of the park.
A closer perspective of the main fountain.
58 bronze sculptures are located on the central bridge. Here is a fragment of it.
Let’s take a closer look at these. What do they represent?
This looks like a simple contemplative figure. A thinker? A schemer? Or do you sense a hint of disapproval in his pose?
A couple doing tai chi exercises?
A woman coming to an important decision in her life?
The continuous conflict between male and female parts?
Next one is easy. I don’t have boys, but I know the expression really well.
Being together again after a long separation?
Passionate joining? Or figure skating practice?
The focal point of the installation, the Monolith, surrounded by 36 figure groups.
Each of these 36 statues brings a piece of the “circle of life” message. Here are a couple.
The view from the Monolith towards the fountain and the bridge.
And another elevated view from the farthest point into the park, looking back onto the Monolith.
We lingered for nearly three hours in the park. If there is a must-see in Oslo, this is it.
These and other pictures taken in Frogner Park have been added to my Flickr Oslo album.
Impressive!