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Norra skenet

Norra skenet is a sculpture by Ernst Nordin located on the campus of Umeå University in the Swedish city of Umeå. The work was selected through a 1967 competition held as part of the campus design plan, which Nordin won. It was erected on campus in 1969 and moved to its current location in 1995, when the teacher training center was built. The sculpture is made of polished stainless steel, with welded square steel tubes arranged in a diagonal composition that evokes the aurora borealis, or “Northern Lights.” It is illuminated by spotlights. Umeå University has adopted the sculpture as a symbol and uses it as part of its brand.

Norra skenet stainless steel sculpture with reflective metal bars rising diagonally on a lawn.
Norra skenet, a stainless steel sculpture by Ernst Nordin, stands on the Umeå University campus.
September 2004 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Norra skenet, a large abstract silvery sculpture on a lawn near a pond and modern campus buildings.
Norra skenet by Ernst Nordin on the Umeå University campus, shown with surrounding lawn, pond, and buildings.
June 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Norra skenet sculpture with white rectangular forms rising on a green lawn near campus buildings
Norra skenet stands on the Umeå University Campus, with white geometric elements rising against the clear sky.
August 2007 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Norra skenet sculpture with clustered silver blocks beside a grassy lawn, with buildings, water, and trees in the background.
Norra skenet stands on a grassy area near the water in Umeå.
June 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleNorra skenet
English title translationNorth Light
French titleLumières du Nord
TypeSculpture

Creator

ArtistErnst Nordin

Historical context

CompetitionHeld in 1967 as part of the planning for Umeå University campus; won by Ernst Nordin
Installation date1969

Location and ownership

Original locationUmeå University campus, Umeå, Sweden
Current locationNear the university pond / university sports hall at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

History and restoration

Relocation date1995
Reason for relocationConstruction of the teacher training hall / teachers' training center
ControversyAfter inauguration, Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen alleged that the design too closely resembled her Sibelius Monument; she ultimately did not pursue legal action

Materials

MaterialPolished stainless steel

Technique

ConstructionRectangular or square steel tubes welded together

Physical characteristics

FormDiagonal composition

Appearance

Visual referenceResembles the aurora borealis (Northern Lights)
LightingIlluminated by built-in spotlights

Iconography and meaning

Institutional useUsed by Umeå University as a symbol in its marketing, business relations, and branding