THE PORTAL COLLECTION

THE BRIEF

We were commissioned to make Økern Portal more colourful. Deichman Bjørvika is Oslo’s main library, centrally located between Oslo Central Station and the Opera House. They have six floors containing literature, reading and study areas, stages, a movie theatre and workshops – for young and old. We were given carte blanche as long as we used a lot of colours to create space for visitors to discover. The paintings are located on ground and second floor inside niche spaces, a space in between books, in between reading, a burst of energy or a space to relax.

the IDEA

For this project we wanted to explore the metaphysical landscape, famously made by Giorgio de Chirico and Carlo Carrà. How to paint the landscape of our life. Looking back, to be present and to look forward. We compose to make a balance with the fragile, the strong, the happy and the sad. In our practice and in our life we make plans, because we have learned that we are supposed to make plans, to have something to look forward to, to create a purpose. The plans are filled with goals. some of which are seemingly impossible to reach. The tower in the horizon is an image of the unreachable. Will we be able to get in? Can we climb it? What happens when we are on top? Will we achieve an overview of everything? Will the metronome in our life move in a comfortable pace? Our landscape is filled with strong fundaments, fragile facades, view towards nature and howling wolves. In our landscape there is music, philosophy and brush strokes.

We have painted two murals that visualise the same landscape seen from two different sides. Our starting point for this mural was to create something that could be seen from two sides. Due to the open brief we could explore the space, spend time to think about what we wanted to create. Our fascination for Roman history and fragmented ancient sculptures could finally take a role in our artwork. The rock is there to symbolise our core strength and goals. It is a core value but also a threat if what support the rock break. It can both destroy and be stable.

the PROCESS

Our process is a continuous flow between: ideas, concepts, sketches, tests, colour palettes, story telling, discussions, research, drawing, composing. Most of which happen in our studio, on research days out of the studio and the best ideas and conversations often happens when we go for walks outdoors. We worked on this project starting early 2022 and spent the spring thinking, writing and drawing until being on site painting from mid June. Our aim is to create a colourful encounter. A space to look upon in between paragraphs, a background for your call, a space to play, to be surrounded by in contrast or camouflage.

DEVELOPMENT

We are developing three dimensional assets to enhance the experience of these two murals. The open brief give room for exploration and we are experimenting with augmented reality to create a virtual enhancement to this artwork. We will use augmented reality to enhance the environment, to offer an enrichment that the audience can immerse in. By the use of their smart phone they can place the camera on a anchor point, make a friend enter the space, discover animated objects and create a small film or photograph.

To be available autumn 2022.

DISCOVER

Follow the link to discover temporary and permanent art at the library:

Lars Ramberg - Brainstorm

Emmanuelle Moreaux - 100 Colours

Simone Hooyman - Talking Plants

Katie Paterson - Future Library