Art in Deichman Bjørvika: Martin Puryer

Deichman Bjørvika opens finally on 18 June 2020. Designed by Atelier Oslo and Lundhagem, Oslo’s new main public library enjoys a stunning location, right by the opera on the waterfront. Here you will find a new artworks outside by the american artist, Martin Puryear. Unveiling on 15 june at 10:30 am.

Creature from Iddefjord (large outdoor sculpture, Martin Puryear, USA)

American artist Martin Puryear is a Washing­ton-born contemporary artist best known for his large abstract organic sculptures inspired by traditional craft. His work has been repre­sented in several prestigious museums, inclu­ding MOMA and Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. 

Puryear’s Creature from Iddefjord, which will stand near the water mirror on the forecourt outside the new public library, is a 7-meters high sculpture with an archaic form, a creatu­re one can both look at and walk through. The sculpture is made out of grey granite from the Iddefjord on the border between Norway and Sweden. This is the same stone that was used by Gustav Vigeland for his Monolith in the Vige­land Park. 

The sculpture is a gift from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation to The City of Oslo, Norway.

Did you know?

• The sculpture is a gift from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation to The City of Oslo, Norway.
• Martin Puryear's largest temporary public sculpture to date, first exhibited in New York's Madison Square Park, was called Big Bling, and Creature was inspired by it.

• Creature from Iddefjord’ will be part of the City of Oslo’s art collection.