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Havmannen

Havmannen, or Havmann, is a granite stone sculpture by English artist Antony Gormley, located in Mo i Rana in northern Norway. Standing in the Ranfjord, it is associated with the city known as the Arctic Circle City. Originally intended to be made of steel to reflect Mo i Rana’s industrial history, the project became Gormley’s first large stone sculpture after local steel production changes made the original plan impossible. The sculpture was created and erected in 1995 as part of Artscape Nordland. It caused considerable local debate, including discussion about public spending and its unusual appearance, but is now a source of pride for the town and has inspired the annual Havmanndagene festival.

Havmannen sculpture standing in calm fjord water with its reflection visible and a bird perched on its head.
Havmannen stands in the fjord at Mo i Rana, reflected in the calm water with a bird perched on top.
October 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Havmannen sculpture seen from behind in calm water with a bird perched on its head and a clear reflection below.
Havmannen stands in the water with distant mountains and waterfront activity in the background.
October 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Havmannen sculpture partially submerged in calm fjord water, with a bird perched on its head.
The Havmannen sculpture stands in Ranfjorden near Mo i Rana, with mountains and shoreline visible in the background.
October 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Havmannen sculpture standing on a concrete pier by a calm fjord with mountains in the background.
Havmannen stands on a pier beside the fjord in Mo i Rana, with mountains and waterfront buildings beyond.
October 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Havmannen sculpture standing in calm water at twilight, with its reflection visible and an illuminated industrial area in the background.
Havmannen stands in the water at twilight, reflecting the lights of the nearby harbor area.
October 2019 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleHavmannen
Alternative nameHavmann
Name meaningThe Man from the Sea
French title translationL'homme de la mer
TypeSculpture

Creator

ArtistAntony Gormley
Artist nationalityEnglish

Location and ownership

LocationMo i Rana, northern Norway
Specific siteRanfjord, about fifteen meters from the shore
Local place nicknamePolarsirkelbyen (the "Arctic Circle City")
Associated cityMo i Rana

Physical characteristics

Height11 metres
Weight60 tonnes

Materials

MaterialGranite
Original intended materialSteel

Historical context

First large stone sculpture by the artistYes
Concept contextInspired by Mo i Rana's traditional steel industry and intended to highlight the contrasts between nature and industry
Reason original steel concept was not usedLocal industry was undergoing major changes, including the closure of unprofitable state-subsidized factories and the local steelworks, so local steel could not be used

History and restoration

Created1995
Installed1995
Part ofArtscape Nordland
ReceptionControversial on unveiling; it sparked extensive debate in the local media, especially in Rana Blad, over several months
Public responseHundreds of letters and more than 300 poems were sent to or dedicated to the sculpture
Debate issuesWhether commissioning the sculpture was a good use of public money, and concern about the sculpture's lack of an erectable device

Appearance

Water levelUp to the knees; also described as up to mid-calf
OrientationTurns its back to the city and looks out over the fjord
DescriptionA dark stone giant whose limbs blend into the overall silhouette of its body

Iconography and meaning

InterpretationInvites the viewer to contemplate the vast horizons

Significance

Current local attitudeResidents of Mo i Rana are proud of the sculpture and have adopted it as an ambassador for the city
Festival inspired by the sculptureHavmanndagene
Festival meaningHavmann days
Festival timingHeld every year in May in Mo i Rana