Nordic Pixel Forest
A Mesmerizing Fusion of Art and Technology
All images:
Pipilotti Rist: Nordic Pixel Forest, 2024. ©Courtesy of the Artist, Hauser & Wirth and Luhring Augustine / BONO Fotograf: Florian Holzherr
Oslo’s newest attraction
Oslo's Ekebergparken, already renowned for its blend of natural beauty and world-class sculpture installations, has welcomed a stunning new addition to its collection: the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST.
This unique digital art installation, created by contemporary artists, brings a fresh fusion of cutting-edge technology and immersive design into the serene landscape of the park. Nordic Pixel Forest is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about cultural attractions in Oslo, capturing the imagination of visitors with its magical interplay of light, color, and nature.…
What is the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST?
The NORDIC PIXEL FOREST is a digital art installation that spans a portion of the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, creating an ethereal, illuminated forest made up of thousands of LED lights and pixelated forms. Designed to evoke the essence of the Nordic landscape, the installation uses advanced LED technology to project shifting patterns, colors, and shapes onto the trees, creating a dynamic visual experience that is constantly changing.
This sensory masterpiece is inspired by both the natural beauty of Norway's forests and the cutting-edge world of digital technology, making it a unique hybrid of nature and art. Visitors are invited to walk through the forest and become part of the living artwork, with the lights reacting to movements and environmental changes, creating a personalized experience for each guest.
A Blend of Art and Technology
In the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST, Rist blends organic forms and digital technology, creating an enchanted space where light and nature seem to merge. Thousands of LED lights are arranged in pixelated forms resembling trees, branches, and foliage. These lights change color, pattern, and intensity throughout the day and night, creating a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape.
Much like her previous works, the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST invites viewers to move through the space and experience the art from different angles and perspectives. The forest is interactive, with the lights responding to movements and environmental changes, which gives visitors the feeling of being part of a living, breathing artwork..
An Immersive Experience for All Ages
Designed to engage all your senses, the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST invites visitors to explore, interact, and lose themselves in the immersive environment. Families with children, art enthusiasts, and tourists will find the experience captivating. It’s a place where you can simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the lights, or dive deeper into the symbolism of the artwork, which touches on themes of nature, technology, and humanity’s relationship with both.
There are several walking paths that take you through the installation, allowing you to explore the forest from different perspectives. Along the paths, benches and rest spots are strategically placed for moments of reflection, giving you a chance to sit back and observe the lights as they dance and change around you.
A Highlight of Oslo’s Cultural Scene
Ekebergparken, located just a short distance from Oslo’s city center, is already well known for its remarkable collection of sculptures, ranging from classic to contemporary works. The NORDIC PIXEL FOREST adds a new layer to the park's offerings, turning it into a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
In addition to being a visually stunning attraction, the installation is also part of Oslo's effort to blend modern art with its rich natural surroundings. It reflects Norway’s innovative spirit, where culture, technology, and the environment are celebrated in harmony.
«The NORDIC PIXEL FOREST in Ekebergparken is a breathtaking testament to the possibilities of blending technology with nature. Whether you’re an art lover, a tech enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene yet awe-inspiring experience in Oslo, this installation should be high on your list of things to see. Its stunning visuals, interactive elements, and calming presence make it an unforgettable experience and a jewel in Oslo’s cultural landscape.»
Pipilotti Rist
The Visionary Artist Behind the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST
Who Is Pipilotti Rist?
Pipilotti Rist, a Swiss visual artist known for her groundbreaking work in video art and multimedia installations, is the creative force behind the NORDIC PIXEL FOREST in Ekebergparken, Oslo. With a career spanning over three decades, Rist has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary art, blending vibrant colors, organic forms, and immersive technologies to create mesmerizing experiences for her audience. The NORDIC PIXEL FOREST is a continuation of her exploration of nature, technology, and the human experience, but with a unique focus on the Nordic landscape and environment.
Born Elisabeth Charlotte Rist in 1962 in Grabs, Switzerland, Rist adopted the playful moniker "Pipilotti" from the character Pippi Longstocking, reflecting her vibrant and rebellious approach to art. She studied applied arts, illustration, and photography before diving into video and digital art, which would become her defining medium.
Rist’s work is deeply immersive and sensory, often focusing on the interplay between light, color, sound, and the human body. Her installations typically envelop viewers, inviting them to lose themselves in her lush visual worlds. She is known for pushing the boundaries of how art can be experienced, often challenging the traditional gallery space by creating environments that encourage viewers to engage with her work on a physical and emotional level.
Artistic Style and Themes
Pipilotti Rist’s style is often described as psychedelic and dreamlike, characterized by vivid colors, fluid transitions, and a fascination with the body and nature. Her work explores themes of gender, sexuality, beauty, and the human connection to the environment.
Rist is particularly known for her large-scale video installations that blur the line between reality and fantasy. She often uses wide, sweeping camera angles, close-ups of natural elements, and abstract visuals, accompanied by ethereal soundscapes. Her installations encourage viewers to slow down, reflect, and be present in the moment, making them immersive and contemplative experiences.
Rist’s work often centres on creating a deep, physical and emotional experience for the viewer. She uses technology to create art that is not only meant to be seen but also felt – where viewers are active participants in the artwork, rather than merely passive observers.
Nature and the Human Body
Throughout her career, Rist has often used the human body as a central theme in her work. Whether through distorted close-ups of skin or abstract images of limbs intertwined with nature, she explores the vulnerability and beauty of the body, frequently merging it with natural elements like water, flowers, and foliage. Her works often suggest that there is no boundary between the body and the environment, emphasizing an interconnectedness between human existence and the natural world.
Technology and Sensory Experience
Rist is a master of using technology to amplify sensory experience. Her installations often include video projections that cover entire rooms, enveloping visitors in a world of light and sound. Her use of cutting-edge technology transforms gallery spaces and natural environments into places of imagination and reflection, where viewers can interact with the art in a personal, emotional way.
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability
Rist is known for being environmentally conscious in her work. The NORDIC PIXEL FOREST installation was created with sustainability in mind, using energy-efficient LED lights and a design that minimizes impact on the surrounding landscape. The installation reflects her belief that technology can be used responsibly to create beauty without harming the environment.
Global Influence and Impact
Pipilotti Rist is a global art icon, having exhibited her work in major art institutions and biennales worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Venice Biennale, and the Tate Modern in London. Her ability to challenge traditional notions of art through her use of multimedia has made her one of the most influential contemporary artists of our time.
Rist’s works are often seen as a form of visual poetry, offering audiences a break from the fast-paced digital world while simultaneously engaging with it. Her installations allow viewers to reconnect with their senses, becoming more aware of how technology influences our perception of the world around us.
For anyone who finds themselves in Oslo, or is planning to visit the city, NORDIC PIXEL FOREST in Ekebergparken is an artwork not to be missed. It is a shining example of how contemporary art can transform our perception of the world around us, and a place where nature and technology meet in perfect harmony.
For those wishing to experience a unique blend of light, art and nature, NORDIC PIXEL FOREST in Ekebergparken is an essential destination, and Pipilotti Rist is the artist who has made it possible.
Useful information
NORDIC PIXEL FOREST is located in Ekebergparken, which is open to the public all year round. Admission to the park is free, and it is easily accessible by public transport from Oslo city centre. For those who prefer a more scenic experience, it is also possible to walk or cycle up to the park along beautiful paths and green areas.
How to find Nordic Pixel Forest:
Follow the road up to Ekebergrestauranten.
Take the road to the right and follow it up to the park’s reflecting pool. You will then see the installation in the wooded area above the water.
Please use the established paths leading to the artwork – this helps reduce the impact on the natural environment in the area.
Although the park is well worth visiting at any time of day, it is highly recommended to experience NORDIC PIXEL FOREST after dark, when the lights truly come into their own.
All images above:
Pipilotti Rist: Nordic Pixel Forest, 2024.
© Courtesy of the Artist, Hauser & Wirth and Luhring Augustine / BONO
Photographer: Florian Holzherr
This background image: Barnabas Davoti
Images below: Eirik Dahl - Visit Oslofjorden
How to get to Ekebergparken?
Trams 13 and 19 stop just outside the entrance to the park. Click the button below to access the journey planner for travelling to Ekebergparken by public transport. Enter your location and the planner will show you all available routes and departure times.
Velkommen!
— Foto: © Eirik Dahl - Visit Oslofjorden