A temporary public sculpture at Nolhaga hill, Alingsås
Höjdarna
iron, polystyrene, glue, acrylic, 250x200x650cm
The pieces are inspired by the minuscule Cladonia Lichens growing at the feet of the tower.
The Swedish title “Höjdarna” (The Heighteners) refers to something impressive or someone influencial with is far from how one would normally describe a lichen. Yet these are the organisms that most efficiently manage to survive physical heights such as mountain tops.
The installation was to be viewed only from a distance, far below the hill. In relation to the greatly enlarged fungi sculptures, the trees now looked like moss on a forest floor, thus shifting their internal power relations. The piece was also activated with a light animation, making it stand out even more in the dark autumn forest.
About the project
“Höjdarna” was financed with support from the city of Alingsås. It was Ove Thorsén from the Tower Association (Föreningen Tornet) that invited Oscar Furbacken in 2012 to perform this artistic happening on the hill of Nolhaga. The pieces were installed onto the tower thanks to the helping hands of friends and voluteers from the association. It was up for a whole year and even became a part of the international festival “Lights in Alingsås”. An artist talk around this project and public art general was also held during this period.