Thursday, February 22, 2007

Vigeland Sculpture Park

One of the artistic highlights of Norway is the Sculpture Park in Oslo. Vigeland Sculpture Park is located in west of the Oslo city centre.

The park contains 192 sculptures with more than 600 figures. Probably the most famous park in Norway, it was created by sculptor Guastav Vigeland between the years 1907 and 1942.

Most of the sculptures date from the years 1926 to 1942. The park has as its theme what could be called the "Human Condition." Most of the statues depict people engaging in various typically human persuits, such as running, wrestling, dancing, hugging, holding hands and so on.

However, Vigeland occasionally included some statues that are more abstract, and to some degree defy understanding. Such as the "Man attacked by Babies" statue, which shows an adult male, fighting off a horde of tiny babies.

One of the main attractions to the park is The Monolith. At over 14 meters tall, the column is covered with entwined human bodies and is carved out of a single block of stone.

Another well known sculpture is that of an angry young boy, located on the bridge of the park.

Vigeland park is a well known picnic area, popular in the summer for sunbathing, games, and relaxation.














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