Oskar Westerlin (26) reveals in a new TikTok video that he is the person behind the statue that suddenly appeared in Frogner Park last week.
– I ordered a marble statue of myself that we are now going to place in Frogner Park to see if anyone notices that ther is yet another statue here, he tells in the TikTok video.
The statue was removed shortly after it was discovered.
MARBLE: The statue was made of marble and weighed 680 kilos.
Photo: Screenshot TikTok (@oskarwesterlin)
Wanted it for a long time
– I have wanted to get a statue made of myself for a long time. Nothing happens unless you take action. So I sent some “nasty flex pictures” of myself. the guys in China started right away, he continues in the TikTok video.
He spent over four months on the project. the 26-year-old found a supplier from China who could make the statue and deliver it to Oslo.
The statue weighed a total of 680 kilos.
STATUE: Oskar Westerlin had a statue made of himself.
Photo: Martin Habbestad (Nettavisen)
Considering filing a report
In the TikTok video, Westerlin shows how they used a forklift to place the statue in vigeland Park in the middle of the night.
He and his accomplices dressed up as construction workers during the operation to avoid being stopped by the police.
TV 2 has been in contact with the Vigeland Museum. Managing director Jarle Strømodden tells the channel that they are considering filing a police report regarding the stunt.
– There has been some new details, so I will talk to colleagues at the museum and in the municipality about what we should do next. For now, the police are not involved, he says.
What are the potential legal implications of Oskar Westerlin’s statue installation in a public space without permits?
Interview with Oskar Westerlin: The Marble Statue Stunt in Frogner Park
Editor, Time.news: Welcome, Oskar! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent creation and subsequent installation of your marble statue in frogner park. This venture has certainly caught the public’s attention.
oskar Westerlin: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share my story.
Editor, time.news: You revealed in your TikTok video that you are the mastermind behind the statue that appeared in Frogner Park. What inspired you to create a statue of yourself?
Oskar Westerlin: I’ve actually wanted to have a statue made of myself for a long time. I believe in making things happen, and I thought, why not take action? So, I sent some “nasty flex pictures” to a supplier in China, and they got started right away. It felt like an outlandish idea, but that’s what made it fun.
Editor, Time.news: It certainly is a bold move! The statue weighs a whopping 680 kilos and took over four months to create. What challenges did you face during this project?
Oskar Westerlin: the logistics were definitely tricky.Finding a reliable supplier who could handle such a heavy marble statue was the first hurdle. Then, there was the actual casting and shipping process. I also had to plan the installation very carefully to avoid detection. It required a lot of coordination and teamwork.
Editor, Time.news: Speaking of installation, you dressed like construction workers and used a forklift to place the statue in the middle of the night. Was this part of the strategy to avoid any legal issues?
Oskar Westerlin: Exactly! We knew that placing a statue without permits could lead to potential problems. we wanted to do it incognito,just for the thrill of it. But obviously,this did attract attention,and we were prepared for the possibility of repercussions.
Editor, Time.news: Now that the Vigeland museum is considering filing a police report due to your stunt, how do you feel about the potential legal implications?
Oskar Westerlin: I understand their perspective, and I respect the museum’s position. It was never my intent to disrespect the art or the park. It was all in good humor. If they decide to take legal action, I’ll address it then, but I’m more focused on the impact this has had on conversations around public art and personal expression.
Editor, Time.news: Your actions have certainly sparked a dialog! What do you think this says about public art and individual expression in urban spaces?
Oskar Westerlin: I think it highlights how art can push boundaries and challenge norms. Urban spaces are often places of regulation, but they should also be platforms for creativity and personal expression. My hope is that this encourages more spontaneous art and conversation around what we consider “acceptable” in public spaces.
Editor,Time.news: Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creatives who want to push the limits in public art?
Oskar westerlin: Absolutely! Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and take risks.Just be mindful of the implications of your actions.Engaging with your community and bringing joy or thought-provoking art to public spaces can be incredibly rewarding—just make sure to factor in legalities. And above all, have fun with your creativity!
Editor, Time.news: Thank you, Oskar, for your insights and for sharing your unique perspective on art in public spaces. We look forward to seeing what you create next!
Oskar Westerlin: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this with you. stay curious!