Wow is the only word for the Vigelund Sculpture Park. I had been told it is a must-visit in Oslo but have to admit I was a bit sceptical about whether it was worth getting a tram out from the centre to see a bunch of sculptures in a park. I was wrong. Vigelund is stunning, uplifting, inspiring.
It was designed by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) and displays 212 of his sculptures, most of which are along the main axis of the park. The small museum was the artist’s house and contains most of the rest of his extensive production – woodcarvings, original models for sculptures, portraits and drawings.
Rainbows dance in the water sprayed from the fountains and the sun glints on bronze buttocks.
For almost all of the sculptures are of bodies. Heavy, physical bodies with emotive faces expressing moments of pure joy or sorrow. Bodies of all ages; bodies celebrated; bodies piled on bodies; piled up to the heavens.
My favourite sculpture was of two women doing shoulder stands with their legs entwined. They look so gleeful. Mr Wandering Kiwi liked the man being wrestled/carried by three laughing women. We found a sculpture of a child that looks very similar to Wandering Kiwi Jr when she is having a strop. She disagreed… but she loved the playground!
by Natasha von Geldern
