“Each heart I paint is dedicated to a person I've lost.”
“One of my hearts, a blue one, is for my partner who passed away, the street artist Lord ForShow. He used to paint in blue, so it felt right."
Algebra, street artist in Stavanger
For years, Stavanger has been the Norwegian epicentre of street art, attracting talented artists from all around the world, thanks largely to the famous street art festival Nuart.
“I think most street art pieces have some kind of meaning for the artist, but that does not necessary mean that the audience has to have the same understanding."
“The purpose of street art is to make people reflect, and, of course, to decorate the walls — of which Stavanger has plenty."
Get to know local street artist Algebra, and join her on a guided tour of her favourite pieces in the city.
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Stavanger's coolest street art
We start the tour in an area Algebra knows well – the backyard of the youth culture house Metropolis, in the city centre.
Algebra often teaches art classes to young people here, and the area is filled with a variety of striking pieces...
...including this vibrant fox, which has been here for years.
“I think people like this one, as it's stayed untouched for so long. The intense colours have faded a bit over time, but I still really like it. The artist is M.u.M from Chile.”
Algebra
Outside the KRA shared art space, a ten-minute walk from the fox, you'll find a piece Algebra made together with the digital painter Kai Simenstad.
“KRA wanted something that symbolized it, and liked my look with geometrical figures. There's also a heron living nearby, so they wanted to incorporate that into the piece.”
Algebra
This huge grenade decorates a wall, a two-minute walk north on Nedre Banegate street.
The piece is the result of two days of work from a crane, and was made in 2014 by the talented French artist Tilt for the Nuart festival.
“This one is chaos in control, that's what I love about it. The balance between the colours is also super nice. I'm sure this piece has a deeper meaning... ”
Algebra
You'll find many more amazing pieces in the same area, so take your time and explore. You will probably spot this one by ROA.
The artist has done two murals in Stavanger, and is well-known for his signature motif of placing animals in an urban context.
Want to see more monumental art?
You'll find this impressive piece by Spanish artists HOW & NOSM at the intersection of Taugata and Johannesgata.
“It's messy and random, but still pleasing. One of my absolute favourites.”
Algebra
In Stavanger, you'll find street art in lots of different styles.
This one, by the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, is inspired by traditional cross stitching.
Further down the same street, Nedstrandsgata street, you'll find another colourful piece.
The Norwegian stencil artist Martin Whatson is famous for his dancers with graffiti and tags. This one really pops, with its location alongside Stavanger's traditional white wooden houses.
Northwards on Pedersgata street, there is a giant piece by Norwegian artist Pøbel called Nuclear Babies Make Weird Faces.
From here, walk eastwards until you arrive at Tou Scene, and Algebra's final recommendation...
... Gone Believer by the British street art duo Snik.
The piece is designed with the surrounding ivy in mind, making the art blend into the environment over time. What a perfect match.
Stavanger is not the only city with vibrant art. Check out Norway's top street art destinations.