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Oslo’s largest mural unveiled: a monument to art, struggle and community

a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .

In the heart of the capital, at Christian Krohgs gate 39/41, a new work of art now spans 590 square meters. Earlier this summer, Oslo’s largest mural was officially unveiled – a project that brings together street art, political engagement and global solidarity.

The mural marks the culmination of SAIH’s extensive artivism project, developed in collaboration with Street Art Oslo as part of this year’s Oslo Street Art Festival. Over the past year, artists and activists have worked together to transform a grey facade into a colorful, visual story of liberation and community.

The collaboration with Street Art Oslo and the artists Flexi Aukan and AFK has opened a new door for us in SAIH. Through workshops, conversations and artistic exploration, we have connected activism with street art – and together created Oslo’s largest mural, a work that carries both our stories and our shared message.
– Selma Bratberg, President of SAIH
Through this collaboration, we want to transform this wall into a powerful symbol of liberation – a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights, such as the right to education, both at home and internationally.
– James Finucane, artistic director of Oslo Street Art Festival

Two artworks – one shared story

The mural consists of two sections. The upper section was created by the internationally acclaimed street artist “AFK”, known for politically charged and socially critical stencil works. He gained particular attention in 2018 with the piece Making a Martyr, in which then Minister of Justice Sylvi Listhaug was depicted as a crucified Jesus figure.

The lower section is by graffiti artist, musician and activist Flexi Aukan (Mikal Bøckman), in collaboration with SAIH’s activists. Flexi Aukan is from Oslo, with Chilean roots, and is known for powerful works marked by strong political awareness and engagement with social issues.

a large mural is being painted on the side of a building .a large mural is being painted on the side of a building .
The artists at work, many metres above street level, putting the final touches on Oslo’s largest mural.

A living part of the cityscape

The unveiling in June began in the courtyard of Folk in Storgata with an artist talk in which Flexi Aukan spoke about the process behind the work. The audience also heard speeches from, Anita Leirvik North (City Commissioner for Culture and Business Development), Jihad Al-Mahdi (leader of Students for Palestine at the University of Oslo), and Selma Bratberg (leader of SAIH).

In her closing remarks, the SAIH leader had this to say about the project:

For us, this is more than an art project – it is a tribute to all those who stand in the fight for justice and human rights, whether they are students, Indigenous peoples or queer activists. We hope the mural will stand as a lasting symbol of solidarity, courage and community, and as a reminder that we can never take freedom for granted.
– Selma Bratberg, President of SAIH

After the symbolic unveiling at Folk, the audience walked together to Christian Krohgs gate to experience the work up close.

See the photo series from the unveiling and the mural below.

a man and a woman are sitting at a table talking into microphones .a man and a woman are sitting at a table talking into microphones .
Flexi Aukan and Hanne Ugelstad from Street Art Oslo in conversation on stage, sharing the process behind the mural.
a group of people are sitting at a table clapping their hands .a group of people are sitting at a table clapping their hands .
A large turnout of engaged spectators created a memorable atmosphere at Folk.
a man is standing in front of a microphone with his hands in the air .a man is standing in front of a microphone with his hands in the air .
Jihad Al-Mahdi, leader of Students for Palestine at the University of Oslo, shares memories of his first encounter with street art as a child in Palestine.
a woman in a red shirt is standing in front of a microphone .a woman in a red shirt is standing in front of a microphone .
The Vice Mayor for Culture and Business Development, Anita Leirvik North, attended the unveiling – emphasizing that Oslo is proud to have supported the project financially.
a woman is singing into a microphone in front of a crowd .a woman is singing into a microphone in front of a crowd .
Slam poet Ida Helene Benonisen delivered a powerful performance on resilience.
a group of people crossing the streeta group of people crossing the street
two women standing in front of a mural with the license plate dr 85two women standing in front of a mural with the license plate dr 85
The crowd gathers in front of Oslo’s largest mural for the very first time.
a man is walking past a large mural on the side of a building .a man is walking past a large mural on the side of a building .
a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .
a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .a large mural on the side of a building that says `` knowledge is power '' .
The finished mural in full view – 590 square metres of powerful imagery and colors now adorning the facade at Christian Krohgs gate.

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