Torshovtoppen/Planting of Tulips, (2008)

Torshovtoppen is a park area in Oslo. Although the old school garden at the former Torshov school is in a state of neglect, it is regularly used by local residents. It is a place of relaxation in a city dominated by purpose-oriented and utilitarian structures. Despite massive protests, in 2005 the area was sold to a private developer who intended to build on it. So far these construction plans have not been realised and the area continues to be used as it was in the past.

I made several interventions in the area during 2007-2008 in addition to making a film and a book about the place. One of these interventions was Planting of Tulips. 350 tulip bulbs were planted in the garden of Torshovtoppen during fall 2007. In spring 2008 a beautiful tulip garden appeared. This became my gift to the users of the former public garden of Torshovtoppen. This work raises questions about the areas of a town that are made accessible to local residents. What happens when private interests are allowed to overrule people’s needs for recreational spaces?