Vertical Star Destroyer (2025) is a sculptural installation featuring elements immediately recognizable from Sæthre’s artistic practice. The work recalls the familiar form of a tree, yet can also be perceived purely as form — as a sculptural object in its own right.

“I’m not particularly fond of Christmas. I’m more interested in ordinary days than holidays. I wanted to create something that could also resonate with those who have no relationship to Christmas or the tree. It felt natural to begin with a form and then add associative elements that could be experienced independently of tradition.”

This December, during the museum’s opening hours, the tree will illuminate the foyer for all visitors.

Børre Sæthre (born 1967, Oslo, Norway) is known for his spectacular installations, in which architectural space is transformed into scenographic environments. Here, visitors are not merely observers but become active participants in an immersive, physical world. Sæthre has exhibited at major art museums in Norway as well as leading international institutions. Several of his installations have secured a lasting place in both Norwegian and international art history.

His installation My Private Sky (2001) is on view in the current display of the Astrup Fearnley Collection, and is regarded as an iconic work from the turn of the millennium.

---

Previous Artist Trees at the museum were created by Bjarne Melgaard (2017), Ann Iren Buan (2018) — who invited 23 other artists so that, together, 24 contributed works to the tree* — and Fredrik Værslev (2019).

*Andrea Bakketun, Julia Boracco, Karoline Bakken Lund og Veronica Bruce, Ask Bjørlo, Ann Iren Buan, Tora Dalseng, Shwan Dler Qaradaki, Liv Ertzeid, Ellen Grieg, Erlend Grytbakk Wold, Anne Kvam, Linda Lerseth, Siri Leira, Jara Marken, Bill Robb, Malie Robb, Halvor Rønning, Lars Sandås, Signe Solberg, Elise Storsveen, Tyra Tingleff, Kjell Varvin, Gelawesh Waledkhani, Tarald Wassvik

---

---