Norra skenet
Norra skenet (English translation: 'Northern Light') is a stainless steel public art sculpture by the Swedish artist Ernst Nordin at the Umeå University campus in Umeå, Sweden.
History
As part of the planning of the Umeå University campus, a competition for a sculpture was held 1967 and won by Ernst Nordin. Norra skenet was raised 1969 at the campus and moved to the actual location close to the University Dam in 1995, due to the construction of the Teachers' Training Hall.
The sculpture is made of polished stainless steel. Rectangular steel pipes have been welded together in a diagonal composition, resembling Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). The structure is lit by built-in spotlights.
Umeå University makes use of the sculpture as a symbol in its marketing.
Following its inauguration, Norra skenet became the subject of controversy when Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen alleged that its design too closely resembled her Sibelius Monument, though she ultimately chose not to pursue legal action.[1]
References
- Skulpturguide Umeå, published by Västerbottens konstförening, Umeå 2005, page 162, ISBN 978-91-631-8462-8
- Konstvandring på Umeå universitet. En guide till konsten på campus, published by Umeå University, p. 22, ISBN 978-91-7601-035-8
Notes
- ↑ "Onko Sibelius-patsaalla seuraajia Ruotsissa?" [Does the Sibelius statue have an imitator in Sweden?] (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. 28 January 1970. p. 15.