Oslo’s Angry Boy had a rough month – but he’s ok now!

One of Norway’s most famous sculptures has been through it this month.

One of the most famous sculptures in the Nordics was damaged, taken down for renovation, and then put back in place – all during April of 2021.

Damage done with a saw

An unknown perpetrator tried to saw over the Angry Boy’s left ankle on the night of April 6, 2021.

On April 7, the sculpture was removed from its home by conservators and taken in for preservation.

The incident was reported to the police as damage done to a protected cultural monument.

“We want the audience to have close access to the art of Vigeland and it is a pity that this happens. We hope to resolve the matter quickly and that the sculpture returns to the bridge as soon as possible”, Jarle Strømodden, Director of the Vigeland Museum, said in a press release after the vandalism.

An attempt at stealing?

This isn’t the first time the sculpture was vandalized – there were a few graffiti incidents and stealing attempts over the years.

The Angry Boy, Sinnataggen in Norwegian, was successfully stolen in 1992. After being retrieved soon afterward, though, he got a more secure base installed.

It hasn’t been confirmed whether the latest damage was done with the goal of thievery.

Sculpture safely on display again

On April 20, the Angry Boy was brought back to his home on the Bridge in Vigeland Park, after undergoing a period of restoration.

“The art in the Vigeland Park belongs to Oslo‘s residents and visitors. We have received many inquiries from the public that they miss the sculpture and hope for his recovery. We are very happy that Sinnataggen is in good condition and back in its usual place”, Strømodden said, in a press release on April 20.

Vigeland Museum and Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park functions as an open-air museum showcasing some of the most-known works by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). The park features over 200 sculptures and Vigeland also designed its layout.

Adjacent to the sculpture-dotted sprawling greens is an indoor museum as well, located in Vigeland’s former atelier-slash-home. Inside, you’ll find his early works, plus plaster models for the sculptors adorning the park.

The Angry Boy is mounted on the park’s bridge. Vigeland likely modeled it between 1925 and 1933. Upon its installation in 1940, it became one of the first sculptures in the park – and today, it’s one of the most famous.

We wish the Angry Boy a happier 2021 going ahead!

Source: #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayTravel

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