This year, Nuart Festival in Stavanger, Norway, welcomed a powerful comeback by DOTDOTDOT, one of Norway’s renowned street artists. Known for his thought-provoking and politically charged work, DOTDOTDOT marked his return with two significant pieces: a reimagined Statue of Liberty titled Liberty Warning the World and a tribute to hip-hop culture called Haring’s Beatbox. Through these works, the artist not only pays homage to history but also raises timely concerns about the state of democracy and social inclusion.
One of DOTDOTDOT’s pieces, Liberty Warning the World, is a reinterpretation of the Statue of Liberty. Originally designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and gifted by France in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has long symbolized freedom, democracy, and a welcome to immigrants arriving in the United States. In the original, Lady Liberty holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in her left. Her left foot steps on broken chains, a symbol of the abolition of slavery.
DOTDOTDOT’s version for Nuart Festival, however, brings a sobering twist to this iconic figure. On the statue’s 138th anniversary, DOTDOTDOT’s Liberty Warning the World replaces the torch with a distress flare, casting a warning against rising xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. With a timely nod to the upcoming election, this reimagined Liberty becomes a bold statement, urging reflection on the current political climate, especially as divisive rhetoric threatens democratic values and human rights.
DOTDOTDOT’s second piece, Haring’s Beatbox, honors the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in the U.S. and its 40th in Norway. Named after legendary American artist Keith Haring, whose work became an emblem of urban culture, the piece is a vivid reminder of hip-hop’s roots in the Hispanic and African American communities of the 1970s. Painted on an underpass by Norway’s fjords, this work is a nod to the immense cultural contributions of immigrant communities and the enduring impact of hip-hop on global culture.
Keith Haring, born in Reading, Pennsylvania, found his artistic voice in New York’s street scene and often used his art to address social issues. DOTDOTDOT’s Haring’s Beatbox captures the essence of Haring’s legacy and highlights how hip-hop, with its foundations in resilience and expression, transcends borders and cultures. It’s a celebration of diversity and unity, amplified through the Norwegian artist’s interpretation.
This year’s “Unauthorized” edition emphasizes unsanctioned works, where artists are encouraged to work on human-scale, unlicensed walls across the city. This approach aligns with Nuart’s mission to redefine art’s purpose in society and to question what art can be outside of institutional confines. For over two decades, Nuart has remained a volunteer-led, non-profit initiative, relying on the dedication of artists, activists, and art enthusiasts to make each year’s event a reality.
Martyn Reed, Nuart’s Founder and Director, has long championed the power of street art to inspire dialogue and encourage social reflection. Under his guidance, the festival has grown into a vital platform for artists like DOTDOTDOT to use their work as a voice for change, exploring complex social issues and engaging the public in new ways.
In 2024, with works like Liberty Warning the World and Haring’s Beatbox, Nuart Festival once again demonstrates how street art can provoke thought and spark conversation, reminding us of art’s capacity to shape and reflect society. As DOTDOTDOT’s pieces show, these works can serve as powerful commentaries on freedom, unity, and the urgent issues of our time.
