Norway's Kumlok Art
Introduction to the Project
"Norway's Manhole Art" is a unique art project initiated by Aina Hartmann, an innovative Norwegian artist. The project was born out of a fascination with manhole covers, an often overlooked but essential element in the urban landscape.
Source of inspiration
Hartmann's inspiration came from the unique design of manhole covers, which usually go unnoticed under our feet. She saw the beauty and potential in these everyday objects and was driven by a desire to elevate them from street level to the world of art.
The art process
Hartmann's technique involves a direct printing process on the manhole cover plate. She began her preliminary project in 2015, with the first prints produced in 2016. Each municipality in Norway has contributed to the project through their unique manhole covers, which Hartmann has carefully selected and used as printing plates. This has created a colorful and diverse collection of prints, each with its own history and character.
The journey through Norway
Hartmann's journey through Norway to capture these motifs has been a central part of the project. She has visited a number of municipalities, each of which has added a distinct local feel and identity to the project.
First Exhibition
The project culminated in a successful first exhibition in Oslo in 2023. The exhibition showcased a wide range of Hartmann's manhole prints, giving the audience a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity and beauty of street art.
Conclusion
"Norge's Manhole Art" is not just an art project; it is a celebration of the unexpected and the unseen in our urban landscape. It encourages the audience to look down and rediscover the beauty that lies right beneath our feet. Through this project, Aina Hartmann has redefined street art and presented a new way of experiencing and appreciating the urban environment.
Photo by Fabian Ubeda at NRK Troms and Finmark, during the printing of the Tromsø manhole cover in 2017. See article on NRK