Christian Ringnes has on the occasion of the renovation of Grand Hotel Oslo bought three works of art that are lent to the hotel. Two of the artworks are located in the lobby area: Elmgreen & Dragset's sculpture "Powerless Structures" and Tracey Emin's neon work "The Scream". In Palmen Restaurant hangs the sumptuous chandelier "Ca' Rezzonico", signed by British Cerith Wyn Evans, and Norwegian Vanessa Marth Baird's "I am You are she / he / it is They are" which is placed on the large background wall in the restaurant. Here you can read more about the hotel's unique decoration and the artists behind it:
Elmgreen & Dragset – "Powerless Structures"
The sculpture by the Danish-Norwegian artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset is a smaller version of the work they showed in 2012 at The Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalger Square. Read more on http://www.elmgreen-dragset.com/studioberlin/_.html
Tracey Emin – "The Scream"
Tracey Emin has stated that Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is the historical work of art she values the most. Emin has made two works of art in homage to Munch: a film and this neon work. For information on previous work, biographies and exhibitions, visit https://www.artsy.net/artist/tracey-emin
or Tracey Emin's homepage http://www.traceyeminstudio.com
Cerith Wyn Evans – "Ca' Rezzonico"
Made together with glass blowers in Venice. The light fixtures are connected to a computer that reads music notes. These are translated into pulsating light that give the sumptuous chandelier a poetic character.
Vanessa Martha Baird – "I am You are she /he /it is They are"
The Norwegian artist's imaginative world has now found its form on the screen in the Palmen Restaurant. The artwork consists of 36 different paintings, and Vanessa sees it as a refuge from the real world. Her marvelous stories have now been revealed, inspired by the hotel's history, the city of Oslo and from the most famous bohemians.
Marcel Leliënhof’s fotograf – "Girl with animals"
Inspired by the Mexican festival Dia De Los Muertos - Day of the Dead. The photographic work of art shows a visual combination where the new meets the old and Catholicism meets pagan rituals. The photograph hangs on the 8th floor on The Eight Photo wall.
Andy Warhol – "Portrett av Kronprinsesse Sonja"
In addition to the purchased works of art, Christian Ringnes has lent us a fabulous Warhol work from his collection: A portrait of then Crown Princess Sonja. The picture is one of a series made in 1982. The picture hangs beautifully in the newly renovated salons, The Lounges, in the banquet department.
Queen Sonja – "New ceramic vase"
One of our salons also houses one of the Queen's own works of art, a relatively new ceramic vase.
Tim Walker
The Lounges houses several photographs by the famous British photographer Tim Walker.
http://www.timwalkerphotography.com
Peter van der Ent, Plasterer – "Plaster decorations" and Axel Dahlgren, Decorative painter – "Ceiling Painting" – Rococo
Rococo has been newly renovated and is now one of the most beautiful and unique banquet halls in Norway. Rococo, The Mirror Room and The Lounges have a remarkable history of creating unforgettable parties and banquets. The renovation of Rococo is especially inspired by the old ceiling painting that was here until 1957. When Rococo burned down, we decided to give the room a beautiful, classic ceiling painting yet again. Skilled craftsmen collaborated to get this in place. The walls are decorated with real Italian silk fabric, Rubelli. Plasterer Peter van der Ent has led the work with the beautiful plaster decorations, while decoration painter Axel Dahlgren has carried out the ceiling painting itself. The original Venetian chandeliers shine brighter than ever.
Ulf Nilsen – «Anna in the water where destiny takes place»
The painting is made of oil on canvas, and was shown for the first time at the exhibition "Drømmesommer" at Blaafarveværket in 2009. First he painted the water, then the flowers, then Anna inspired by an older sketch. It is said that he painted Anna with his eyes closed. The contemporary artist pushes the boundaries between dream and reality in his artistic worlds, filled with experiences. "The basic tone is melancholy, and a little beauty" – he explains. www.ulfnilsen.com
Kristen Visbal – "Fearless Girl"
"Fearless Girl" is a bronze sculpture made by Kristen Visbal. It was first installed directly above the iconic Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green Park in Manhattan on the occasion of International Women's Day. She is only 120 centimeters tall, but her proud posture, with her hands on her hips and her head high, shows that she is more than her size. She is known from Manhattan in New York until today, but from now on she will also show her strong, independent self in front of Grand Hotel Oslo, facing the sea and the Parliament. Visbal has commented: "I made sure to keep her features soft; she's not defiant, she's brave, proud, and strong, not belligerent – so everyone can relate to the Fearless Girl".
