What’s Next
The 22 foot awe-inspiringpiece now lives in the prestigious Aker Brygge area in the centre of Oslo.
"What’s Next", a monumental seven-meter-tall astronaut sculpture from contemporary artist Brendan Murphy’s acclaimed Boonji Spaceman series, stands as a captivating, ultra-modern landmark in Bryggetorget, the vibrant heart of Aker Brygge, Oslo. Unveiled in November 2023 by Oslo’s Mayor Anne Lindboe, this striking public art installation is positioned on a prestigious property owned by globally recognized art collectors Cecilie and Kathrine Astrup Fredriksen.
Rendered in a commanding, deep Norwegian blue, the 1,360-kilogram masterpiece required a complex transatlantic voyage and three days of precise technical assembly to be brought to life. It serves as a visual and conceptual anchor, designed to provoke curiosity and celebrate the rapid cultural evolution of Norway's capital.
The Conceptual Vision: A Bridge to the Future
A Symbol of Metamorphosis: The sculpture acts as a metaphor for Oslo’s ongoing evolution from a historic maritime hub into a booming global art mecca. It bridges the city's industrious past with its boundless future potential.
The Existential Provocation: True to its title, "What’s Next" challenges onlookers to step out of the monotony of daily life, look upward, and contemplate the unknown possibilities of tomorrow.
Architectural Dialogue: Set against the backdrop of Aker Brygge's sleek glass facades and historic shipyard architecture, the colossal spaceman injects a sense of cosmic surrealism into the bustling waterfront.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Artist Brendan Murphy
Series. Boonji Spaceman
Height. 7 meters (approx. 22 feet)
Weight. 1,360 kg (1.36 metric tons)
Location. Bryggetorget, Aker Brygge, Oslo
Unveiling Date. November 2023
Collaborators. Curated in partnership with Fineart Oslo and Norwegian Property
For those exploring the waterfront, the sculpture stands as an open invitation to pause and engage with modern art in the open air, solidifying Oslo's reputation as a dynamic center for contemporary public installations.