Åskådaren The Spectator (2015)
Permanent public sculpture
Location: Folkparken, Norrköping
Material: Recycled metal (iron)
Height: approx. 160 cm at full extension

The Spectator is a collaborative work by Olav Lunde and Henrik Lunde-Björk, installed in a clearing in Norrköping’s Folkparken. Created in connection with the Disc Golf World Championship, the sculpture pays tribute to a frequently overlooked yet essential figure in all competitions—the one who watches.

With its slightly surreal, weathered presence, the figure invites curiosity. Who is he? Why is he here? The questions are open-ended, and the sculpture encourages visitors to explore them in their own way.

Designed to be physically and emotionally accessible, the piece includes an empty seat beside the spectator—inviting people to sit down, take a break, or share a moment with this enigmatic old man. The sculpture also functions as an automaton: turning a crank at his side activates subtle mechanical movements—his head turns, his mustache nods—a poetic nod to Norrköping’s industrial past and our enduring relationship with machines.

Built entirely from recycled and repurposed machinery and iron tools, The Spectator honors both environmental responsibility and the beauty of worn materials given new life. Its robust construction ensures minimal maintenance and long-term durability.

The sculpture is designed with accessibility in mind: it is height-adjustable, emits mechanical sounds, and its tactile surfaces and forms aim to stimulate the imagination of a broad audience.

Commissioned by Norrköping Municipality’s Department of Culture, The Spectator stands as a quiet, whimsical, and interactive figure—both companion and witness to everyday life in the park.