Russ!

Where to begin? I took over 200 photos in Oslo today, and I've spent a lot of the evening whittling them down to about 100 keepers. So, then I had to choose ONE to post today! I chose this one, which may seem like an odd choice, but let me tell you why. ...

This was taken at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and the grey sculpture you can see is one of German artist, Anselm Kiefer's, entitled 'Zweistromland/The High Priestess'. It's a sculpture made mostly of lead, and represents books on shelves, and a whole lot more.

The people you see standing in front of the sculpture, having a guided tour of the museum, are final year high school students, known as 'russ'. My daughter was telling me about this tradition last night. The 'russefeiring' is a traditional celebration for Norwegian high school students in their final Spring semester. It starts on around 20 April and ends on 17 May, the Norwegian Constitution day and during this period the students wear coloured overalls and party hard. This period is then followed by their final exams! The majority of overalls are red, but some are blue or black, and I believe they represent the type of study the student is completing. They are all over town at the moment.

I liked the colours in this image as the party kids stood out so well against Kiefer's sombre sculpture.

[Robert Barr]

Cool image. The bright colors against that grey sculpture are magnificent. Never heard of Russ. Learn something new everyday!

[Henri Russell]

That is a very unusual piece of art. I must say the kids taking the tour do not appear to be impressed. It is good that they are taking in the art museum though.

[Nova]

Their outfit colours really pulled me in to see what exactly what they were looking at. Great shot and thanks for the explanation.

[Lin]

A great choice - love the colors against the very interesting lead sculpture Fav..

[judith deacon]

A great shot and contrast between the bright colours and steely grey works so well. Thanks for the explanation too, I have been to Norway on many occasions but never come across Russell!

[Jo]

Love the contrast in this.

[Sarah Bremner]

Great image and interesting text.....a rather alternative final phase of school!

[Kathy]

Interesting sculpture, wonderful candid with lots of color and a nice story/explanation to go with it.

[Joyce]

A great image I like the contrast. An interesting story to go with it.

[Denise Wood]

Terrific capture and the story to go with it is terrific :)

[mikeharris]

Great picture and explanation Issi.

[Judy N]

Great eye and capture. Fav and following to see your view of a beautiful place.

[Gayle]

Incredible sculpture and very interesting final semester tradition for the Norwegian high school students! My husband teaches high school and he says right around this time of year the seniors all claim to have "senioritis" . . . their excuse for not doing much of anything the last weeks of school since they already have all their credits to graduate. :-)