Oslo’s Street Art Scene

Have you ever wandered through the streets of Oslo just taking in all the colorful murals that pop up around every corner? I know I absolutely love exploring the city and discovering new pieces of street art. There’s such a thriving community of artists here who aren’t afraid to use public spaces as their canvas. The results are really quite stunning – together it feels like the artists have created this vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry showcasing all the local talent.

I first started paying attention to Oslo’s street art scene a few years ago when I was out for a run in Grünerløkka. That’s like the hipster central neighborhood known for its indie cafes and vintage shops.

As I was passing by all the old industrial buildings, I noticed these huge murals painted on the sides that just made the area feel so alive. There was one of a little girl blowing bubbles that was especially captivating. I had to stop and take it all in – the colors and details were unbelievable.

A lot of the best work can be found in Grünerløkka and neighboring Vulkan, which has a similar gritty, urban vibe. These areas attract a lot of young, creative types and have become hubs for street artists. But murals are popping up all over now – you’ll find them in more residential neighborhoods like St. Hanshaugen as well as downtown in the business district. No matter where in Oslo you are, you really never know when you’ll turn a corner and be greeted by a massive piece of public art. It’s so cool how the city has embraced this rebellious, DIY style of self-expression.

One of my favorite artists who’s really made a name for himself here is Kjetil Zyssen Berg. His hyper-realistic portraits blown up to massive scales are just mind-blowing. A few years ago, he did this three story high painting of Edvard Munch on a building in Grünerløkka that totally transformed the whole area. The details were so fine, you really had to stand far back to take it all in. More recently, he painted a massive mural of a little boy on Hausmannsgate that’s become an Instagram hotspot. His works have such an eerie, dreamlike quality to them that really sticks with you.

Of course, Kjetil isn’t the only incredible talent in this scene. Kaja and Marta are sisters who collaborate on these whimsical, surreal murals featuring anthropomorphic animals and mystical landscapes. Their style is so fun and colorful, instantly putting a smile on your face. Over in Vulkan, Vidar has made a name for himself with his hyper-detailed murals celebrating Norwegian culture and history, like a recent piece honoring Edvard Grieg. And ALL OVER the city, you’ll find beautiful stencil work and graffiti by Sondre Landa, one of Norway’s most prolific street artists. The variety of techniques and styles on display is really something to behold.

Street Art in Oslo

Street art in Oslo has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Once viewed as a nuisance and a threat to the city’s clean-cut aesthetic, graffiti and murals are now celebrated as an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. This shift in attitude is largely attributed to the Oslo Street Art Action Plan, implemented in 2016, which aimed to leverage street art as a tool for promoting tourism and economic growth, positioning Oslo as a street art capital.

What I find so fascinating about Oslo’s street art community is how collaborative it feels. A lot of artists will work together on bigger projects, bouncing ideas off each other. There’s also this real sense that everyone is rooting for each other and celebrating each other’s successes. Social media has been huge in helping the scene grow, with artists sharing photos of their works in progress or new installations around town. Through Instagram especially, it’s easy to keep up with what all your favorite artists are currently working on. There’s just a really great vibe of local support and creativity fueling more creativity.

Of course, not all street art is legally sanctioned. A lot of artists do work under the cover of night to avoid confrontation. But it seems like the city as a whole has come to appreciate these unauthorized artworks as a way to beautify public spaces. Many pieces are allowed to remain for extended periods of time before being painted over. I think it adds so much character to have these unexpected bursts of color brightening up the streets and alleyways. It’s also really cool to see how new pieces interact with and respond to existing works. The dialogue that gets created is really fascinating to observe.

If you find yourself in Oslo, I definitely recommend taking some time to explore the street art scene. Simply wandering around Grünerløkka, Vulkan or other trendy neighborhoods, you’re bound to stumble upon something incredible. But you can also seek out specific artists on Instagram to get clues about their latest projects. It’s a real highlight of visiting this city to experience all the talented local artists are contributing to beautify and energize public spaces. The vibrancy and variety of styles on display will leave you with lasting memories of Norway’s creative capital.