'Myth (Sphinx)—Kate Moss' - Atlas Obscura

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'Myth (Sphinx)—Kate Moss'

This striking sculpture of a supermodel in a yoga pose challenges traditional public art. 

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Oslo is a city teeming with public art, and one of its more unusual pieces can be found tucked away in a downtown passage. Since 2009, Myth (Sphinx)—Kate Moss, a 10-foot (three-meter) bronze sculpture of the British supermodel, painted in stark white and posed in a provocative yoga stance, has drawn considerable attention. In this sculpture, Moss—dressed only in a bikini—appears with her ankles contorted around her ears.

Created by London-based artist Marc Quinn, the work is based on Moss’s body, though another model posed for the final position. Quinn wanted to capture an idealized icon, not a literal likeness of flesh and blood, and he cast Moss as a modern-day Sphinx, summoning the myth of her ancient Egyptian namesake.

The Oslo Heritage Office has unsuccessfully tried to remove the statue for over a decade, arguing that its imposing size disrupts the open feel of the historical passage. In contrast, the artwork’s owner, Christian Ringnes—heir to a brewing fortune—believes it should stay. He argues that the sculpture enhances the passage’s appeal and is fully in harmony with its protected status.

In 2008, a life-sized version of the sculpture, cast in 18-carat gold and titled Siren, was displayed at the British Museum in London, placed intriguingly beside classical statues from antiquity.

 

Know Before You Go

The sculpture is located in Folketeaterpassasjen near the Storgata entrance, open daily until late.

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