Where Art and Technology Meet: "Oslo, Home of the Spray Can" Exhibition
Article - Kadriia Sungatullina
“Did you know the spray can was invented in Oslo?” reads a large sign at the entrance of Oslo Science Park, inviting visitors to explore an exhibition on the history of the spray can and street art. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the exhibition and include some photos, just in case you couldn’t make it!
Collage: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
A collaborative exhibition
The exhibition ran from August 22nd to September 27th on the first floor of Oslo Science Park. “Oslo, Home of the Spray Can” is a collaboration between Street Art Oslo and Oslo Science Park, and it marked their first project together.
The main idea of the exhibition is to celebrate the intersection of technology and art. It also reminds us of the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the spray cans invention in 2026.
“OSLO, HOME OF THE SPRAY CAN”
Spray cans that are used nowadays are based on the very first patent on aerosol technology created by chemical engineer Erik Rotheim in 1926.
Collage: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
The history of the spray can
The first patent for aerosol technology, developed by Norwegian chemical engineer Erik Rotheim in 1926, laid the foundation for modern spray cans.
The technology was used and developed during World War II. In 1943, two researchers, Lyle Goodhue and William Sullivan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, developed a small portable can that was pressurized by a liquid gas, capable of spraying insecticide. These cans were widely used by American soldiers in the South Pacific to combat insect-borne diseases like malaria.
In the following years, spray cans were adapted for public use and is now commonly used all over the world for different household purposes. Among these purposes is spray paint, which commonly is used for street art and graffiti.
Collage: Kadriia Sungatullina/ PRESSET:
Exhibition
At the heart of the exhibition, a large model of a 'Quick' spray paint can from the 1980s captured the attention of visitors. Artists, invited by the Oslo Street Art Festival, designed their own labels for this iconic spray can model.
Surrounding the large model are various historical objects, such as archival books, magazines and curated artworks presented in glass display cases. The most remarkable object was the presumable first spray can in the world. These items were on loan from The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, The Norwegian Patent Office and other private collections.
Informational stands at the exhibition provided insight on the spray cans history, the birth of graffiti, and zero tolerance to street art. For instance, did you know that the city of Oslo was spending around 80 million Norwegian kroner per year on the removal of graffiti?
Collage: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
Closing reflections
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibition at Oslo Science Park, the home to the Media and Communications Department and — of course — PRESSET. The atmosphere was lively, mixing the creativity of contemporary artists with the nostalgia of the past. It was fascinating to see how spray paint has influenced urban culture over the years, and the significance it still holds today.
Photo: Fanny Overgaard / PRESSET.