This project is at the very heart of "Taking the Initiative." Through conversations and research, I discovered that the residents of Olsvik longed for more color in their surroundings. I'm a passionate advocate for color, not only because I understand its positive impact on mental health but also because I recognize the detrimental effects a lack of color can have on us, especially during childhood. Inspired by the outdoor gallery in Gdansk, Poland, I aimed to create a vibrant art scene in Olsvik, a neighborhood with more than its fair share of gray walls—ideal canvases just waiting for expression.

The key was to encourage residents to voice their thoughts, allowing art to take shape. The Grønntulien neighborhood was the first to respond. I reached out to several communities within Olsvik with an open question: Do you desire more color and art? Are there places where it could bring joy to many?

The neighborhood's chairman quickly responded with an enthusiastic "YES to color!" He gave me the freedom to create, which was fantastic because it opened the door to fulfilling the community's desires. The first wall we painted was abstract, reflecting the thoughts and emotions of passersby.
The next two walls were based on different community wishes:

Nature: Flowers and natural elements were highly requested and appeared on many wish lists.

Representation: Once residents saw their ideas come to life, they wanted even more involvement! For the third mural, we collected reference images while painting the flower mural. Passersby "posed" their hands against a photo wall I set up. The concept was that hands tell a story; they reveal much about who we are and what we do. However, hands are more universally relatable than specific portraits.

I selected a diverse range of hands, each telling a different story—many representing relationships between people. With the continuing desire for vibrant colors in mind, the result was a series of "portraits" of hands, displayed in a rainbow gradient.

All the artworks are visible from the main road—an entrance route for everyone living in or visiting Olsvik. In this way, we've created a colorful "gateway" to the neighborhood, enriching the community with a visual celebration of color and connection.