street art tour oslo

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Street art in Oslo is an important part of the city’s aesthetic. “Graffiti is a poem, the city writes to itself,” notes the graffiti writer Boom; at the same time street art was described in the 90s as “dirty words and ugly paintings on clean street walls.” Over the years, many great international and local street artists have converted Norway’s capital to the city of street art, bringing a sense of irreverence to an otherwise clean-cut city. The Tøyen and Grünerløkka neighborhoods, shown in the images here, are among the most decorated in the city.

Originating in its current form in the Bronx, New York City, street art appeared in the form of text, social protest slogans or simple graphics. “They provide a counter-narrative to dominant urban aesthetics,” Avramidis and Tsilimpounidi explain the essence of street paintings in Graffiti and Street Art (2017).

Although in many parts of the world, street art is seen as a threat to city architecture, Scandinavia has supported this art form. Norway in particular has paved the way with several street art festivals: UpNorth festival in Bodø, Gadekunst in Kristiansand, OsloUrban festival, and Nuart festival in Stavanger.

@Urbansamtidskunst , Grønland, Oslo, by Pasha Weis

Not that it’s always been so easy. Oslo was previously quite intolerant of graffiti and street art. Thanks to Oslo Street Art Action Plan (2016-2020), new approaches to art curation are being implemented in the city. Street art has often gone hand-in-hand with political protest, but today is also about the creation of art and bringing beauty to the city audience. Over the last 15 years, street artists have contributed to making Oslo’s streets a vibrant art scene.

The Tøyen and Grünerløkka neighbourhoods of Oslo are rich with street art. Strolling around the beautiful streets, you’ll experience a huge variety of murals, most of which were created legally with the support of the city. These aren’t monochrome graffiti walls; the bright colours shine even in winter, adding rainbow tones to the views.

Dot Dot Dot via Streetartnews.net

Tour some of Oslo’s best street art and murals in Tøyen and Grünerløkka:

In collaboration with Nuart festival, Martin Whatson, one of the best Oslo’s street artists, has created a marvellous mural with a Scandinavian touch. “Wall 6/7 for this project with @visitosloregion and @visitvestfold in collaboration with @nuartfestival! All the walls painted in the region will culminate in short info videos about each specific region. The area around Horten where this Viking ship is painted has a big density of ancient Viking finds ranging from ships to grave sights and artefacts!” writes Whatson on Instagram .

@martinwhatson

Simple geometric figures made of parallel surfaces have become a favorite Oslo mural. Underneath, there is the highly recognizable hand of artist Adrian Platkovsky:

Adrian Platkovsky via urbankulturblog.com, Korsgata, Oslo

Many street artists have a fascination with abandoned locations where they can easily cover the surfaces with their art. “I really like the hunt and the surprise element people feel when they find a small or hidden work!” explains Martin Whatson.

Tøyen and Grünerløkka are really just the city’s biggest outdoor art galleries. The best part? The artwork is for everyone.

Graphic novelist Steffen Kvernerland has created an iconic mural of famous Norwegian artist Edward Munch in Tøyen. Instead of the well-known man of “The Scream,” one can instead see a portrait of Edward Munch himself.

Steffen Kvernerland

If you appreciate great letter work, Vulkan is a must-see area of Oslo. Initially an industrial area, this recently renovated corner of the city offers two top class works.

via Urbankulturblog

For those who love street art and graffiti, Oslo is a city of gems. Whichever neighborhood you decide to explore, you’re bound to find something spectacular. For more detailed information, download Street Art Cities and enjoy a virtual tour of Oslo!

Header images: NRK ,​ Tøyen, Oslo, by Fadlabi

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Oslo Street Art Festival

Dog Days – annual exhibition series

Mellomfestivalen

Økern utegalleri

Mo i Rana Gategalleriet

Flora & Fauna by M.u.M

Urban Kunst på Skøyen

Graffiti workshop at Kulturstudio Seilet

Løkka-lykke zine #1 – DOXA

Sandvika-lykke gatekunstfest

Å redde et øyeblikk (Saving A Moment) by Frode Skaren

The Wall – Stan D´Haene

Oslo’s urban art bonanza

Head out for an urban art stroll with this interactive map detailing the very best of Oslo's murals and graffiti.

Not all art is meant to be hung indoors in a gallery. One of the pleasures of strolling down the streets of Oslo is chancing upon one of the enormous murals and graffiti walls that decorate parts of the city, often filling entire walls with colour and life.

For completists, street art enthusiasts and those in the market for a nice route for their Sunday stroll, VisitOSLO has curated a selection of the city’s best urban art in an interactive overview that contains everything from location to artist name and year.

While the notorious classic “Kilroy was here” is nowhere to be found, the map includes noted Norwegian artists like Steffen Kverneland and Dolk alongside international names such as Alice Pasquini from Italy and Phlegm from the UK (see header image).

Oslo has a particularly dense collection of street art in the neighbourhoods of Grünerløkka and Tøyen , but there is also a lot of it spread across the city centre. The murals have mostly been put up legally, but the list also includes some traditional graffiti walls like the ones near Hausmania.

For those about to put on their best walking shoes, VisitOSLO also recommends taking any eastbound metro train and start your explorations from the metro stop Tøyen. The multicultural neighbourhood is particularly rich in urban art, and have in recent years aimed towards becoming Scandinavia's largest outdoor gallery.

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Street Art Oslo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Street art guide in Grünerløkka – Oslo

• October 10, 2022

One of my favorite places to explore street art is at Grunerløkka and along the beautiful Akerselva river. Akerselva river offers more than 8km walking paths, adorned with lovely coffee shops, markets, vintage shops, bars and concert venues. Akerselva is a narrow river that basically divides the city in two, east and west. It starts at Maridalsvannet, which is located in Oslomarka and traverses different neighborhoods, to finally end in Bjørvika. It is a highly recommended walk along the river to experience a bit of everything, including some impressive waterfalls. Street art is scattered a bit everywhere, yet you will likely find a concentration around the Hausmania culture house and the nearby popular Jazz Club called Blå. On many of these walls, you can find works of both national and international artists.  painting in big and small scale. Some of the murals will almost certainly put you in a good mood.

If you are walking on a Sunday, make sure you visit the Sunday Market at Blå. They sell amazing products.

If you really want to acquaint yourself with this area, then simply get lost and absorb.

How to get to Grunerløkka:

On foot: you can start walking from the multicultural area of Grønland along the Akerselva river.

By Tram: if you are in the city center, take tram 11,12 or 18 with direction Biermanns gate.

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A Tour of Oslo's Fascinating Street Art

Oslo is the perfect place for many things, one of them being street art. See, thanks to the housing crash of 1899, the city of Oslo paused the building of any structures between existing apartment buildings, leaving a lot of large, gable walls as a result. These walls, unadorned by windows or staircases, became the perfect canvas for Oslo’s booming street art – which, in the beginning, was primarily the turf of local artists such as Dolk (whose work can now mostly be found in galleries) but have now become a playground for artists from all over the world.

1. untitled by the london police.

British artist duo The London Police’s work has graced more than 35 countries (both galleries and walls) in the 10 years they’ve been active. In 2011, they brought some of their signature smiley faces to Oslo. You will find them at the beginning of Bygdøy allé .

Untitled (2011) by The London Police | Courtesy of The London Police

2. Garbages elk Vs hunters by Zed1

Italian artist Zed1 (aka Marco Buressi) has a very unique visual language and a great sense of humour. He has done a couple of murals in Oslo, but in this particular one from 2012, situated north of Torshov , you can probably tell what Marco thinks about hunters.

Garbages elk VS hunters (2012) by Zed1 | Courtesy of Zed1

3. Untitled by Hama Woods

Hama Woods is an Oslo-based stencil artist, whose work demonstrates a reverence for nature and its immediate connection to humanity (think: a lot of cute animals in not very animal-like situations). Her untitled iguana mural can be found on the left bank of the Akerselva river .

Untitled (2017) by Hama Woods | Courtesy of Hama Woods

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Spanish artist Aryz has graced Oslo with more than one mural (you can see his other work, a mural at Schubelers gate in Tøyen, in the cover photo of this article). He mostly works with muted, pastel colours that are in perfect harmony with the colours of the surrounding neighbourhood. His untitled mural pictured below can be found in Nordbygata, between Tøyen and Grønland .

4. RøeKøe by Super A

Super A , aka Stephen Thelen, is an artist from the Netherlands who really has a thing for birds – mostly pigeons. His gigantic avians where created in collaboration with Café Amsterdam and you can find them downtown, in Kristian Augusts gate .

RøeKøe (2015) by Super A | Courtesy of Super A

5. The Melting Spot by Atle Østrem

Atle Østrem is another example of a Norwegian artist whose pieces can be found in many places in Oslo (but also in his hometown of Stavanger ). His work The Melting Spot, near the Oslo Central Station , is a perfect example of his loud and colourful style.

The Melting Spot (2014) by Atle Østrem | Courtesy of Atle Østrem

6. Munch by Steffen Kverneland and Monica Tollnes

You probably recognise the background of The Scream, Edvard Munch ‘s iconic series of paintings. But instead of the emoji-fied screaming figure , you see a sketch of Edvard Munch himself in this mural by artists Steffen Kverneland and Monica Tollness. The eye-grabbing image also graces the cover of Munch, a graphic novel by Steffen Kverneland published by No Comprendo Press , that turns some of the famous painter’s quotes into drawings. You can admire it in Jens Bjelkes gate in Tøyen .

Munch (2015) by Steffen Kverneland and Monica Tollnes | Courtesy of No Comprendo Press

7. The Last Mohican by Sainer

Sainer is a painter and muralist who lives and works in Poland, but whose murals have adorned walls from Los Angeles and Dubai (as part of the art collective ETAM) to Portugal and Sweden. The Last Mohican, in Oskar Braatens gate in Torshov , is whimsical with a dose of muted melancholia, like most of his work.

The Last Mohican (2013) by Sainer | Courtesy of Sainer

8. Untitled by Alice Pasquini

Alice Pasquini’s work explores themes like female solidarity and vitality. The Italian artist has worked for several museums and galleries in Rome, but also for international commercial clients. Her untitled mural in Oslo is vibrant and joyful, and is located just across the river from Blå .

Untitled (2011) by Alice Pasquini | Courtesy of Alice Pasquini

9. The Grey Wolf by Jussi TwoSeven

Finnish artist Jussi TwoSeven works mostly with a black and white palette (sometimes with accent colours) and his themes depict the wilderness of nature through images of majestic animals. The Grey Wolf, in Gamle Aker , is one of his most recent works – there’s also a roaring bear roaming the streets of Oslo by his hand.

The Grey Wolf (2017) by Jussi TwoSeven | Courtesy of Jussi TwoSeven

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Unlocking the Vibrant World of Street Art: Oslo Street Art Tour

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Exploring a city’s street art scene is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and creative spirit. If you find yourself in Oslo, Norway, you’re in for a treat! This guide will take you on an exciting journey through the city’s fascinating street art scene. Get ready to discover captivating artwork, hidden gems, and the stories behind these masterpieces.

The Rise of Street Art in Oslo

Oslo’s street art scene has flourished in recent years, transforming once blank walls into captivating and thought-provoking works of art. From majestic murals to intricate stencils and eye-catching graffiti, the streets of Oslo have become an open-air gallery.

Where to Start?

Your Oslo street art adventure starts in the vibrant neighborhood of Grünerløkka. Known for its trendy cafes, shops, and nightlife, this district also happens to be a street art lover’s paradise.

Guided Tours

If you prefer a guided experience, joining a street art tour is a great option. Several local companies offer informative and engaging tours, led by knowledgeable guides who will provide insights into the artwork and the artists behind them. These tours often take you to hidden spots and share stories about the city’s street art culture.

Exploring on Your Own

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, wandering through Grünerløkka and its surrounding areas is an adventure in itself. Armed with a map or using the Street Art Oslo app, you can embark on a self-guided tour to discover the many hidden gems.

Notable Street Art Spots

Punkt, located in the heart of Grünerløkka, is an iconic street art spot. This former parking lot has been transformed into a colorful outdoor gallery featuring impressive murals by both local and international artists. Take your time to admire the stunning artwork and capture Instagram-worthy photos.

Head over to Torggata, one of Oslo’s central streets, and witness the eclectic mix of street art adorning its walls. From large-scale murals to smaller pieces, this area showcases the diversity and creativity of Oslo’s street art scene. Make sure to explore the side streets as well, as you never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon.

Løkka’s Sneaky Streets

As you wander through the streets of Grünerløkka, keep an eye out for hidden artworks. Explore narrow alleys, backstreets, and courtyards, as they often hide surprising pieces of art. These sneaky streets offer a sense of adventure and the opportunity to discover lesser-known artworks away from the main thoroughfares.

Respecting the Art

While exploring Oslo’s street art scene, it’s crucial to respect the artwork and the artists behind it. Follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone:

• Do not touch or vandalize the artwork.
• Avoid blocking pedestrian traffic while taking photos.
• Be mindful of private property boundaries.
• Support the artists by sharing and promoting their work responsibly on social media.

A Celebratory Conclusion

Oslo’s street art scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant culture and artistic expression. Whether you choose to join a guided tour or embark on a self-guided adventure, the streets of Oslo are waiting to inspire and captivate you. Uncover the hidden stories behind the art, let your curiosity guide you, and embrace the colorful world of street art in Oslo.

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Explore Oslo’S Art and Culture With a Local

Enjoy Oslo’s artistic tapestry with a local guide. Marvel at contemporary pieces at the Astrup Fearnley Museum and historical gems at the National Gallery. Wander Grünerløkka for vibrant street art and explore Vigeland Park’s sculptures. Dive into Oslo’s culture with Akershus Fortress and the Viking Ship Museum . Discover local talents like Marianne Aulie and Pushwagner. Experience the Viking age at the Viking Ship Museum or explore Edvard Munch ‘s world at the Munch Museum. Oslo’s art, history, and culinary scene await your discovery, promising a truly memorable experience.

Oslos Vibrant Art Scene

Step into Oslo’s vibrant art scene as local guides lead visitors through a journey of creativity and culture, immersing them in the city’s rich artistic tapestry. From the striking contemporary works at the Astrup Fearnley Museum to the historical masterpieces housed in the National Gallery , Oslo offers a diverse range of artistic experiences.

Visitors can explore the dynamic street art in the trendy neighborhood of Grünerløkka or wander through the sculptures at Vigeland Park , all while learning about the local artists shaping Oslo’s cultural landscape . The city’s art scene isn’t just confined to galleries and museums; it spills out onto the streets, showcasing Oslo’s commitment to fostering creativity and expression in every corner.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Oslo Discovery Tour
• 3-Hour Norwegian Evening Cruise Aboard a Wooden Sailing Boat on the Oslo Fjord
• Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a Sailing Ship
• Snowshoe Tour in Winter Wonderland – Oslo

Cultural Heritage Sites

Enjoy Oslo’s rich cultural heritage by exploring its array of historical sites and landmarks that showcase the city’s fascinating history and traditions. Start your journey at the Akershus Fortress , a medieval castle with stunning views of the Oslo Fjord.

Then, visit the Viking Ship Museum to marvel at well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts. Explore the Royal Palace , the official residence of the Norwegian monarch, and stroll through the charming streets of Damstredet and Telthusbakken to admire perfectly preserved wooden houses from the 18th century.

Lastly, don’t miss the Holmenkollen Ski Jump , a symbol of Norwegian skiing tradition with a panoramic view of Oslo. These sites offer a glimpse into Oslo’s cultural heritage and are a must-see for any visitor.

Local Artists and Galleries

Exploring Oslo’s vibrant art scene involves discovering a diverse range of local artists and galleries that showcase the city’s creative talents and cultural expressions. In Oslo, you can find a mix of traditional and contemporary art styles, from paintings and sculptures to photography and installations. Here are some notable local artists and galleries to explore:

These artists and galleries offer a glimpse into Oslo’s dynamic art scene, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

Immersive Museum Experiences

Discover Oslo’s captivating museum experiences that transport visitors through immersive displays and interactive exhibits , offering a deep dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy.

Museums like the Viking Ship Museum showcase remarkably preserved vessels from the Viking Age, while the Munch Museum provides insight into the life and works of renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.

Visitors can also explore the innovative architecture of the Astrup Fearnley Museum and marvel at its contemporary art collection.

For a more interactive experience, the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology offers hands-on exhibits exploring various scientific principles.

These immersive museum experiences not only educate visitors about Oslo’s history and culture but also provide a memorable and engaging way to connect with the city’s artistic side.

Street Art Exploration

Visitors in Oslo can witness a vibrant display of urban creativity by venturing into the city’s dynamic street art scene. From colorful murals to thought-provoking graffiti, Oslo’s streets serve as an open-air gallery showcasing a mix of local and international artists’ work.

Guided tours offer insight into the stories behind the artwork, revealing the cultural and social significance woven into each piece. Popular spots like the Vulkan area and the walls along Akerselva River provide prime examples of this expressive art form.

Visitors can enjoy the city’s alternative art scene , gaining a deeper understanding of Oslo’s creative pulse as they explore the hidden gems scattered throughout its streets.

Traditional Norwegian Crafts

Traditional Norwegian crafts showcase a rich heritage of artisanal skills passed down through generations, embodying the country’s cultural traditions and craftsmanship. Visitors exploring Oslo can enjoy the world of Norwegian crafts by visiting local workshops and galleries that specialize in traditional techniques like rosemaling (decorative painting), bunad (folk costumes), and wood carving . These crafts often feature intricate designs inspired by nature, folklore, and Viking history.

One popular craft is the intricate silver filigree jewelry , known for its delicate and detailed patterns. Plus, visitors can witness the art of glassblowing , a skill that has been mastered in Norway for centuries, producing unique glass pieces with vibrant colors and elegant shapes. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in traditional Norwegian crafts truly reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage .

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Indulge in Oslo’s vibrant culinary scene, where local flavors and gastronomic delights await to tantalize your taste buds. From traditional Norwegian dishes like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew) to modern twists on classic recipes, Oslo offers a diverse array of culinary experiences.

Explore local markets such as Mathallen Food Hall to sample artisanal cheeses , freshly baked bread, and handcrafted chocolates. Don’t miss a chance to taste the famous brunost (brown cheese) or indulge in freshly caught seafood at waterfront restaurants .

For a unique dining experience, head to Grünerløkka’s trendy eateries and cafes, known for their fusion of traditional Scandinavian ingredients with international influences. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual diner, Oslo’s culinary scene is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

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• Oslo Fjord Brunch & Bubbles Cruise
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Common questions

Are There Any Opportunities to Meet and Interact With Local Artists During the Experience?

During the experience, travelers have opportunities to meet and interact with local artists. The local guide facilitates introductions, providing insight into Oslo’s vibrant art scene. Participants can engage in conversations, gain inspiration, and learn about the city’s creative community.

Can Visitors Participate in Any Hands-On Traditional Norwegian Craft Workshops or Demonstrations?

Visitors can participate in hands-on traditional Norwegian craft workshops and demonstrations. A local guide will facilitate these immersive experiences, providing insights into the country’s rich artistic heritage. Engage in activities like woodcarving, textile weaving, or painting.

Is There a Specific Focus on Any Lesser-Known Cultural Heritage Sites in Oslo During the Tour?

During the tour, visitors will discover lesser-known cultural heritage sites in Oslo. These hidden gems offer a unique insight into the city’s history and traditions, providing a richer and more authentic experience for those exploring Oslo with a local guide.

Are There Any Unique Culinary Experiences or Local Flavors That Are Highlighted During the Tour?

During the tour, visitors can savor unique culinary experiences and local flavors. From traditional dishes to modern Nordic cuisine, the guide will ensure guests sample Oslo’s diverse food scene, adding a delicious twist to the exploration.

How Does the Tour Incorporate and Showcase Oslo’s Diverse Street Art Scene?

The tour immerses visitors in Oslo’s vibrant street art scene, with a knowledgeable local guide showcasing diverse murals, graffiti, and installations. Exploring hidden gems and iconic pieces, the experience offers a unique insight into the city’s artistic culture.

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• Lake Walk and Campfire
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Join a local guide to uncover the artistic wonders and cultural treasures of Oslo. From historical landmarks to modern art galleries , this immersive experience offers a unique blend of history, creativity, and local flavor.

Explore the vibrant art scene, indulge in traditional Norwegian crafts, and savor the culinary delights of the city. Whether you’re a history buff or a cultural explorer, this tour promises to leave you enchanted by Oslo’s captivating charm.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through Oslo’s art and culture!

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Oslo Street Art Festival (June - October 2024)

Oslo street art festival is an annual public art project with the aim of strengthening local identity and citizen pride., artists from different backgrounds and disciplines are invited to make work on the streets, with dissemination activities such as workshops, guided tours, lectures, film screenings and exhibitions., everything is free for the public and the art is placed where it is accessible to everyone, 24/7., artist line-up, locations and public program for 2024 coming soon   .

Street Art Oslo

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Street Art Oslo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Movies | ‘The Art of the Benshi’ is coming to Chicago: A…

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Movies | ‘the art of the benshi’ is coming to chicago: a lost page in movie history, rediscovered.

NEW YORK — Just about everyone over the age of 5 knows what it means to sit in a theater and watch a movie. Many of us have seen a silent film — Chaplin, maybe, exhibited theatrically with a musical score on the soundtrack.

Some of us — in Chicago, happily, it’s pretty common — have heard a keyboard accompanist or a small-group ensemble, or even an entire orchestra, performing with a silent short or feature.

Then there is the benshi experience, which new to me. And now I have located the shadowy intersection of cinema and theater where a kind of delicate magic happens. And I’m grateful I traveled to the Brooklyn Academy of Music last weekend for the first of four U.S. tour stops of “The Art of the Benshi.”

Direct from Japan, following its New York and Washington, D.C., engagements, the eight-person ensemble comprising the “Art of the Benshi” company arrives in Chicago for programs April 16-17 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Both nights are sold out. A few lucky folks will likely squeeze in, via the rush ticket line.

Benshi works like this. On the screen, you’re witnessing a long-lost fragment of century-old silent footage of a samurai in action. Or perhaps the 1918 comedy “Sanji Goto” starring Iwajirō Nakajima (aka “the Japanese Charlie Chaplin”) as a bank janitor who inherits a family fortune. Or, depending on which “Art of the Benshi” program you attend, a silent relic from one of the 20th century masters, Kenji Mizoguchi or Yasujirū Ozu.

To the right of the screen, a four-person orchestra accompanies the action, subtly, drawing out unexpected emotional dimensions not through bombast, but through poetic restraint.

A fifth musician, playing an array of percussion instruments, pins down the left side of the stage. This is where the orator, the benshi , works as well. He or she is actor, interpreter, commentator, sometimes a cultural critic, always the audience’s first responder adding a human voice of many functions.

The benshi tradition, which traveled far beyond the island of Japan, found its footing in 1896, when Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope made its Japanese premiere. According to benshi scholar and essayist Miyao Daisuke, whose work appears in the “Art of the Benshi” tour’s commemorative book “The World of the Benshi,” the Kobe gun shop owner who exhibited early silents on Edison’s machine first saw it in 1893 in Chicago at the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Back home, ready to wow his audience, the man from Kobe decided a few opening remarks were needed, just to set the scene. Later, in Tokyo, he hired a professional gidayū-gatari — a “ballad-drama chanter” — to introduce and explain what audiences were about to witness. By the time the rival Lumière Cinematographe movie equipment was unveiled in Osaka, a year later, the benshi tradition of silent film narrators had begun.

“Benshi” translates roughly to “orator,” deriving from katsudō benshi or “movie talker.” In the silent film era in Japan, which lasted well into the 1930s due largely to the popularity of the benshi, the live performance element felt perfectly at home with this newfangled mechanical medium. Japanese audiences were well used to centuries-old oral storytelling and theatrical forms showcasing a reciter as part of, yet separate from, the world of the story.

At the peak of the benshi’s silent film prominence, some 7,000 of them plied their trade in Japan. The best-known were rock star-level famous, as big or bigger than the stars of the movies they served.

Serve how, exactly? Well, that varied and varies still. Benshi typically write their own scripts. They provide the voices for various characters on screen, speaking aloud the on-screen title cards as needed. But there’s more to it. In Japan a century or more ago, when showing a U.S.-made silent film, a benshi’s script often included some tidbits and observations about the exotic foreign culture depicted (or lampooned) on screen. With a comedy, the benshi might also incorporate something akin to “Mystery Science Theater 3000” wisecracks, freely anachronistic, but in the spirit of the story at hand.

“Think of the film as the conductor, with everybody else on stage the musicians, looking up at the screen. The movie essentially is conducting us, and we’re responding to it.” That’s how master benshi Ichirō Kataoka describes this nearly lost art. We spoke prior to the April 7 BAM rehearsal, along with other members of the tour. The tour’s executive producer Michael Emmerich served as our translator. At UCLA, where he teaches in the department of Asian Languages & Cultures, Emmerich produced some benshi silent film programming in 2017 and 2019. He also directs the Yanai Initiative, sponsors of the current benshi U.S. tour.

In their heyday, the benshi worked solo, though other traditions flourished, with two or three benshi dividing up the chores. Chicago audiences will get a taste of both solo and team work. Kumiko Ōmori, the female benshi collaborating with lead benshi Kataoka and fellow performer Hideyuki Yamashiro, has worked extensively in radio and TV in Japan, and on this U.S. tour, she’s proving herself as a vocal quick-change artist of the front rank. In long-lost silent comedy “Our Pet” (1924), which Kataoka discovered at an auction (cost: about $500), Diana Serra Cary stars as the popular silent series character Baby Peggy in a proto-“Home Alone” lark about a foiled burglary and one rather unsettling pre-teen girl’s juggling of various “boyfriends,” also preteens.

“Once you write the script and start performing it,” Ōmori told me, “there’ll be times — especially when you have a lot of characters on screen at the same time — when you have to communicate exactly who is speaking, and when. So you create different character’s voices at different levels. You can’t confuse the audience.”

The live orchestra conducted by Jōichi Yuasa (who also plays the stringed shamisen and guitar) perform both existing and original compositions, the century-old material derived from archival sheet music and notes. At BAM, as will be the case at the Siskel Film enter, the music favored a hushed, spare instrumentation, often strikingly selective in terms of how much silence can be used effectively, and how a single instrument, adding the smallest number of notes, can work on the audience’s own heartstrings.

“We leave space for things,” Yuasa told me. “Particularly with Japanese instruments, the idea of filling up all the available (playing) time with sound is antithetical to our cultural background.”

Put all the visual and aural ingredients together, and you have “The Art of the Benshi,” which isn’t an exercise in “original practices,” really. That phrase suggests something stuffy, or hidebound. Walking out of the Saturday night program in Brooklyn, I felt nothing but gratitude, having been pulled further into some obscure and more familiar silent films than I had before. “It transforms how you experience silent film,” Emmerich told me. “Benshi traveled far beyond Japan, and they worked up and down the American West Coast for a time. It’s an important part of world cinema culture but also U.S. film culture.”

The next’s day BAM program included a solo benshi turn from Yamashiro, who from the stage told the sold-out audience: “The scripts are written by the benshi themselves. So, if the benshi changes, your impression of the movie will also change.” On their own or together, these practitioners of a virtually lost art create a communal spirit far beyond the base-level communal spirit of moviegoing. That too will fade. But today we have it, if we want it. And “The Art of the Benshi” has changed my impressions of what it means to watch and listen to a movie.

“The Art of the Benshi” runs 6 p.m. April 16-17 (sold out); doors open 5 p.m. for rush tickets at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; siskelfilmcenter.org

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

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The Best Things to Do in Curaçao

W elcome to Curaçao-or, as local residents say, Bon Bini. On this Southern Caribbean island, sunny skies and blue waters abound , and as one of the western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles, Curaçao offers balmy temperatures year-round (between the mid-70s and mid-80s Fahrenheit) and has very few hurricanes .

It's a beach lover's dream, with some 38 beaches to choose from. At these sandy spots, visitors can couple a lazy few hours with a range of other activities, including snorkeling, cliff jumping, and cave swimming. But there's more to experience in Curaçao than warm weather and beaches-taking a deeper dive into history rooted in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, for example, or sampling local food while roaming the captivating capital city, Willemstad. Here are the best things to do in Curaçao, including art, culture, and outdoor activities.

1. Take a stroll on Queen Emma Bridge, overlooking Handelskade

Named in 1888 after a Dutch queen and affectionately called the "Swinging Old Lady," the floating Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let ships into the St. Anna Bay and connects Willemstad's two districts, Punda and Otrobanda ("other side"). On the Punda side, you are greeted by Handelskade , a row of historic buildings on the waterfront painted in vibrant colors.

2. See how Afro Curaçaoan people once lived, and break bread at Kas di Pal'I Maishi

Curaçao is a multi-ethnic Dutch colony with a population of about 150,000 people who speak Papiamento, a Creole language that blends Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English, as well as dialects from Africa and the Arawak Indigenous people. Most Curaçaoans, however, are the descendants of enslaved Africans, and that oft-overlooked legacy is preserved at Kas di Pal'I Maishi , a traditional adobe house that typifies how Black people lived in rural Curaçao until 1950.

This arid, cacti-lined area is especially hot, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing. A guide explains how slavery shaped the island and gives a tour of the small house, transformed into a museum displaying common household artifacts such as dolls, clothing, and cooking utensils. For an even more immersive experience, sign up for a workshop to make Pan Será, a round bread that Afro Curaçaoans have baked for generations in an outdoor stone oven, long before there was a bakery on the island.

3. Discover street art with Art Now Tours

Take an urban art-filled excursion in Willemstad with Art Now Tours , founded by local artist Avantia Damberg. On the popular two-hour Punda Art Walk tour ($15 per adult), you will meet local artists and designers, get the inside scoop on the neighborhood's eye-catching street art-the Punda Wings mural is popular-and peruse the haggle-friendly shops for jewelry, crafts, and other locally made products. Additional tours explore the art scene in Otrobanda and Scharloo.

4. Get a history lesson at Kurá Hulanda Museum

This anthropological museum sits on the site of a former slave yard and merchant's home-and boasts the largest collection of African artifacts in the Caribbean. At Kurá Hulanda Museum , you'll get a comprehensive overview of the proud legacy of West African kingdoms, the harrowing Middle Passage, and the brutality of the trans-Altantic slave trade in the African Diaspora, which included the Americas and the Caribbean. Take a reflective walk through the outdoor sculpture garden, home to friendly island cats and a breathtaking bronze sculpture that from one side shows a woman's face and from the other the continent of Africa.

5. Salute to a hometown hero at the Tula Monument

In August of 1795, a Black man named Tula led a rebellion with his fellow enslaved people on the island. In response to their inhumane treatment by Dutch slave owners, Tula declared, "We have been tortured enough. We don't want to harm anybody. We do want our freedom." The bloody revolt lasted for more than a month, and thousands of enslaved people were liberated. After his capture, however, Tula was executed on October 3, 1795 on the south coast of the island in Otrobanda. That historic quarter of Willemstad is where you'll find a monument honoring this freedom fighter.

6. Find natural remedies at Dinah Veeris Herb Garden

Dinah Veeris is Curaçao's herb lady, and locals and tourists flock to her shop for holistic health advice and immunity-boosting teas and tonics. Guests are invited to explore her tranquil garden grounds , which have more than 300 species of plants. Veeris calls her garden Den Paradera ("the place where you feel at home"), after the Paraguiri Indians, who at one time grew healing herbs on the east side of the island.

7. Eat like a local at Marshe Bieu

Known as the Old Market, this enclosed open-air food court in Punda houses several vendors serving authentic and affordable Curaçaoan cuisine . Sharing plates of freshly prepared fish, chicken, and vegetables served family style with heaping sides of rice, salad, and plantains at tidy communal picnic tables is part of the charm, but you can also take the flavorful grub to go.

You can eat well across Curaçao, whether you're in the mood for grilled chicken, red snapper, or green rum. Other dishes not to miss include goat burger, keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and frites canard (fried cornmeal with duck confit).

8. Pick up a parting gift at Serena's Art Factory

In Papiamento, "chichi" is a nickname for an older sister, and the curvy and colorful figurine of the same name represents Caribbean queens well. The first Chichi sculpture was created by German artist Serena Israel, owner of Serena's Art Factory . For a memorable souvenir, pick up a handmade Chichi in the size and pattern of your choice, hand-painted by one of Serena's artists, or take a workshop and design your own cheeky Chichi.

9. Explore Christoffel National Park

Curaçao's largest national park is home to 263 bird species, nine species of reptiles, and a host of mammals including deer, rabbits, and bats. You'll also find the Savonet Museum , on the site of a 19th-century plantation house, which tells the story of the period of slavery, its abolishment, and the country's independence in 2010.

This article originally appeared in July 2021 and was updated in February 2024 with new information.

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