The Wheel of Life
In Oslo, with the Vigeland park, there is this sculpture, “The Wheel of Life”, created by Gustav Vigeland as part of his larger installation of more than 200 works.
Here is a circle, formed by intertwined human bodies, locked together in an unbroken ring. The figures flow into one another, connected in a continuous movement.
Vigeland devoted much of his life to this park, and it represents a complete artistic vision. Every sculpture, bridge, and pathway was designed under his direction. He was focused on the human condition and chose to portray people in their essential form. His work returns to themes of birth, struggle, aging and death. The Wheel of Life is a statement where all of these stages are expressed in one continuous movement.
Vigegland designed this piece to represent the cycle of human life, each figure is both an individual and part of the whole. The suggestion is that our lives are never truly separe from those around us.
Read More From Nancy
Bergen
Marty and I enjoyed exploring the beautiful city of Bergen on a rainy day. Even with the weather far from perfect, we could not ignore the charm of this place. Bergen is both dramatic and welcoming. The colorful buildings, narrow streets, and changing weather give this Scandinavian harbor city its storybook appearance. For centuries, Bergen served […]
Byparken
In the heart of Bergen is Byparken, a green space surrounding Lille Lungegårdsvannet that provides a surprisingly peaceful setting in the middle of the city. The flower beds, lawns, pathways, sculptures, and benches make it feel almost like a formal garden set among Bergen’s cultural institutions. Byparken has roots in the nineteenth century. After a […]
The Royal Palace
Walking up Karl Johans gate toward the Royal Palace, it is impossible not to notice how the building dominates the end of Oslo’s grand boulevard. Set on a gentle rise overlooking the city, the palace has become one of Norway’s most recognizable landmarks. Yet its story is not simply one of royalty. It is also […]
