Stickers spark debate over public art in Ålesund as locals express concern about aesthetics

Colorful stickers have recently appeared on signs and waste bins in Ålesund and several other cities, with many locals expressing concern that they spoil the view. Ålesund municipality has reported an increase in this issue over recent years, labeling the stickers as litter. Laima Nomeikaite, a researcher in street art and cultural heritage, observes that stickers have become a part of the street art movement.

Tourists in Ålesund are drawn to the city’s unique Art Nouveau architecture, but opinions are divided regarding the stickers. Ingvild Starheim, a local resident, highlights that they detract from the picturesque scenery, stating, “It’s not nice to look at” when trying to capture beautiful photographs of the waterfront.

Support for this sentiment comes from Sigrid Holen, a traveler from Bergen, who has witnessed an array of stickers in various cities, many of which are worn and layered. She emphasizes that they ruin the overall aesthetic, asserting, “They’re faded and damaged, and simply not nice to see.”

Ålesund officials also condemn the trend. Pål Gåseidnes, a department head, expressed confusion over why individuals would vandalize public spaces, noting that it leads to unnecessary maintenance costs and detracts from the visual appeal of the city.

Bergen officials echo these sentiments, urging respect for public and historical sites. In locations like Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stickers and posters are seen as harmful to the area’s historical value.

Despite the controversy, Nomeikaite argues that stickers serve as a medium for humorous or political messages and have become part of urban expression. However, not everyone appreciates this form of art, with one local child declaring simply, “It’s ugly.”