Lighting up Norway’s five years of darkness

May 14, 2020

Artist Vebjørn Sand’s Rose Castle project uses art, light, and technology tell the story of Norway’s World War II occupation
 

On 8 May 1945, Norway emerged from five years of darkness. For those five difficult years, Norwegians lived and worked under the occupation of the Nazis, suffering in body and spirit, and under the constant threat of erosion of the culture and values Norway had long held dear.

75 years later, a special art installation and educational project shines a new light on the lives of the individuals who experienced the occupation firsthand.

Five striking structures stand tall over Oslo and its surroundings, symbolizing the fight for freedom and democracy through five years of war and occupation. A two-meter high column forms an illuminated sail to honor the naval servicemen who played a critical role in Norway’s struggle for freedom.

To bring the artwork to life, Signify contributed lighting equipment, luminaires and installations. It’s all controlled by the Interact Landmark connected lighting system, a software and system architecture specially designed for controlling and programming a city’s monuments.

''It is a great honor to be allowed to contribute to a historic project of this caliber, where art and light play a key role. It's not just a showroom that tells what light can do, but an in-depth account of what light means to people – both when it's absent and when it returns," says Tord Christensen, Signify's Norwegian country manager.

“Our task has been to expand the space and possibilities of light, including representing a future based on a fundamental belief in human decency and human freedom – values taken from the people of Norway during the occupation. We have been very honored to be a part of the project and have great respect for Vebjørn Sand's work and insights into the possibilities of art. It has been a rewarding collaboration that we are very much looking forward to presenting to the public”.

Rose Castle is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, more pictures and videos are available on the project’s Facebook and Instagram.