Indian Artists' Collective Nearly Wins Design for Norway's National Memorial for Terror Attack Victims

By Faizal Khan
New Delhi, April 12, 2025

The Raqs Media Collective, a Delhi-based artists' group, came close to achieving a remarkable milestone by reaching the finals in the competition to design a national memorial in Norway honoring the victims of the 2011 terror attacks. This significant event, held in Oslo, highlighted the global reach of Indian art and culture.

Competition Overview

On April 8, an eleven-member jury convened in Oslo to determine the design for a new permanent memorial commemorating the 77 lives lost and more than 100 individuals injured during Norway's most devastating terror attacks, which occurred on July 22, 2011. The Raqs Media Collective was among three finalists selected from an impressive pool of 220 entries submitted by artists internationally. They were the only contenders from outside Norway to reach this stage of the competition.

The jury, led by former Oslo mayor Marianne Borgen, ultimately awarded the project to Norwegian visual artist Matias Faldbakken. Despite this outcome, the journey of the Raqs Media Collective showcased their artistic talent and the importance of their message.

Background of the Terror Attacks

The tragic events of July 22 included a bomb explosion in the Government Quarter of Oslo, which resulted in the deaths of eight people, followed by a shooting on Utøya Island, where 69 individuals, primarily youths from the Labour Party's youth wing, were killed by a right-wing extremist. These attacks are regarded as a significant moment in Norway’s history and have been depicted in various forms of media, including the widely admired film "July 22" directed by Paul Greengrass.

Details of the Memorial Design Competition

The competition for the memorial design was released nearly two years ago by Public Art Norway (KORO), the national body responsible for curating public art projects. The design process involved extensive research and consultations, including meetings with survivors of the attacks, which informed the collective's vision.

The Raqs Media Collective, established over three decades ago and known for their previous work in international art forums such as the Venice Biennale, crafted a concept titled the "22nd July National Memorial." Their proposal aimed to reflect a diverse and multicultural society through functional and aesthetic elements inspired by various cultural symbols, including the traditional jaali window of Delhi and fossilized stones from Utøya Island.

The Impact of the Collective's Proposal

Raqs Media Collective co-founder Jeebesh Bagchi articulated the collective's desire to create a memorial that reflects the shared tragedy of violence and the signs of diversity present among the victims, which included immigrants from various countries. "It is a tragedy that happened in Norway, but it is a global tragedy," Bagchi stated, emphasizing the need for a universal dialogue on issues of violence and societal change.

The collective's design included the concept of a "time-oasis," characterized by 12 bird-clocks representing a meeting space for reflection and remembrance—symbolically crafted to encourage conversations about the implications of violence.

Next Steps for the Memorial

With Faldbakken’s proposal now commissioned, the memorial is set to be constructed at Johan Nygaardsvold Square in Oslo, an area closely linked to the events of July 22. The project is budgeted at approximately $4.5 million and spans an area larger than a football field. Completion is anticipated within the next 18 months.

Bagchi remarked on the emotional toll experienced by the collective throughout the competition process, while also recognizing the growth and insights gained from tackling the delicate subject of memorialization and public art.

As the Raqs Media Collective reflects on their near-success, their journey underscores the increasing prominence of Indian artists on the global stage and their capacity to engage with significant historical narratives that resonate well beyond national boundaries.