Significant investment in art in public spaces in Borgen

To the secret forest room

Visual artist Apichaya Wanthiang has painted six murals at Søndre Borgen Health Center that take us into the forest's many rooms. They were given the title “She Said: Try Walking Backwards.” As we move through the floors, it is as if we are following a path through the forest, which winds in unknown directions. All the motifs are related to the local landscape near Borgen i Asker, such as Semsvannet, Svartputt, Solli Gård and Lille Sandungen. It is as if the artist has brought the surrounding nature and allowed it to have a place in the building.

The stone to be touched

For the outdoor area of ​​the Søndre Borgen Health Centre, Peder Istad created the sculptural group “Insikt” and the free-standing sculpture “View”. The artist followed the stones from the time they were taken out of the quarry until the entire work was assembled. These statues are made of different types of granite and diabase rocks, and have something playful about them. They look kind of soft where they stand. Some of them also appear to be able to lift off from the ground. The sculptures feature different surfaces, some ground, polished and smooth, others cross-hammered and rough. They all invite us to sit, bend over, or let our hands wipe on different surfaces.

The free-standing Utsikt sculpture is located in the shelter of an ancient fruit tree between the health center and the neighboring Kulturhagen estate, and creates a connection between the two areas. While the sculpture is in place, it also serves as a travel destination for people in the local area, perhaps especially for patients at the health centre.

Paths of this branch

Camilla Løw's statue “The Portal” is located in the activity park in Søndre Borgen. It is clearly visible in the landscape and creates a natural gathering point. It's made of eco-steel and powder-coated in distinctive colors—white, black, neon yellow, grass green, and pastel pink—and has a smoky granite base. Since it stands in the landscape, it may resemble a pavilion or perhaps a small temple. As the title suggests, Gateway. We are invited to use them – but how is up to us. We can walk on it from all sides, lean on it, climb rocks, or sit. We can watch it from afar, but we can also become a part of it.

Technical plan of Askar Municipality

The art projects are funded through the municipal art scheme, where 1% of the budget is allocated to new construction projects for art in public spaces.

Visit the website for more information and photos about art projects in Borgen, and about the municipality's comprehensive work with art in public spaces.

Text: Nina Mauno Schjoensby and Halvor Högen