Liberty Warns the World – Dot Dot Dot New Work for Nuart

Dot Dot Dot, one of Norway’s leading street artists has made a return to the streets of Stavanger. Two pieces have been created. The first a version of the Statue of Liberty. The second a Keith Haring inspired ‘beatbox’.

The works have been created as part of the “unauthorised” edition of the Nuart Festival. All artists have been invited to work with human scale works in unsanctioned walls and sites. It’s made for a more free flowing and underground feel to the festival this year.

Statue of Liberty

Adding a Statue of Liberty to the streets of Stavanger. The piece is a timely reminder of the 2024 US Election. Immediately recognisable, but look a little closer and you’ll notice that the flame has been replaced by a distress flare.

Commemoration

The idea for the original statue was conceived by historian and abolitionist Édouard de Laboulaye in 1865. It was to commemorate the upcoming centennial of US Independence in 1876. It both remembers the perseverance of American democracy as well as the later liberation of the nations slaves.

Symbolic

In the actual statue, Liberty holds the torch above her head in her right hand. In her left she carries a ‘Tabula Ansata‘. It’s inscribed with the date July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals. With her left foot she steps on a broken chain. Symbolic of the national abolition of slavery that took place following the American Civil War. Soon the statue would become iconic as an icon of freedom. A very prominent welcome to the many immigrants that would arrive by sea.

Distress Flare

The irony is not lost on Dot Dot Dot given it’s powerful symbolism. The election might be happening in the USA but it’s impact will be felt in Norway and in Europe. The distress flare acting as a warning to the world about what might be round the corner.

Keith Haring’s Beatbox

The second piece commemorates another anniversary. This time it’s 40 years of Hip Hop in Norway and 50 years in the US. It shows a beatbox with two Haring inspired characters on either side. It’s a work that on first glance has no connection to the first yet, the two are linked.

Roots of Hip Hop

Hip Hop’s roots lay in the Hispanic and Afro American underclass of the early 70’s. Immigrants ultimately contributing to what is a key part of urban culture. A culture that moved around the globe. Ultimately it’s visual facet would lead to the world of graffiti and street art we know today.

Nuart Festival is an international contemporary street art festival held annually in Stavanger, Norway since 2001. Widely considered one the world’s leading celebrations of Street Art. It is the longest running street art festival of it’s type. Dot Dot Dot is a one of Norway’s leading urban artists. Having roots in the graffiti scene in the 90’s he now works across mediums in both street and studio practice.

For more Inspiring City articles you will like, take a look at…

• The murals of Nuart Aberdeen 2024
• Hera & Millo Murals at Transport Hubs in Stavanger
• Imaginary City – A Visual Essay of the Nuart Festival
• SNIK Murals in Ultsira and Stavanger
• Prie Dieu Capatalist Worship at a Cash Machine