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Oslo's Brutalist Gem: An Artist's Experimental Hub
19 Mar
Summary
- Artist Ida Ekblad transforms Oslo's Brutalist villa into an experimental art space.
- Ekblad's paintings feature up to 80 layers of diverse materials.
- The 1966 villa, designed by Jan Inge Hovig, contrasts with local architecture.
In Oslo, artist Ida Ekblad has established Villa Hegard, a new studio and experimental project space within a unique 1966 Brutalist villa. Designed by Jan Inge Hovig, the building features a raw concrete facade and cantilevered geometric blocks, a distinctive architectural style for Norway.
Ekblad, recognized for her highly textured paintings built with up to 80 layers of oil, watercolor, foil, and unique additions like melted glass and puff ink, also engages in sculpture and assemblage work. Her artistic practice, which began with childhood creations in Oslo, now utilizes this striking villa.
The villa, originally commissioned by Hans Henrik Hegard, contrasts sharply with the surrounding neo-Classical and chalet-style residences. Ekblad, who resides nearby in another concrete villa, finds inspiration in the modernist architecture's straight angles, which complement her vibrant and expressive artwork.
