The size of the canvas corresponds to the strangely elongated shape of the country, framed with infinite fjords on the West coast. The abstract form of the fjords can be seen on the left side of the painting where strokes of black and yellow paint penetrate and saturate through the right side of the canvas. The author, briskly, inscribes “Petroleum” in the Norwegian language, clarifying that this is related to the oil leaking through Norwegian society. The paradox of this work is in the word “friluftsliv”, which is outlined in the same colours, yet connoting the Norwegian way of living in harmony with nature. Can it be argued that the way Norwegian society has used the money from oil sales is a compromise, given life in harmony with nature? Is there any harmony at the core of Norwegian society? The author gives us the opportunity to answer these questions ourselves.

The inscription denoting the area of the drawn country, present in every painting from the concept “Maps of the Happiest Countries” serves as a sort of a signature. It is specifically done to raise this question: How important is the element of territory in the 21st century? The area of Norway is 385,207 square kilometers.

Through this work, the author encourages us to find harmony in nature and with our loved ones.

Map of Norway