In Oslo, we find art everywhere, in schools and cemeteries, in hospitals and parks. It adorns open spaces, making it impossible to overlook. But it can also be unassuming, hidden behind a tree or in an alleyway.

But what does art mean to us? And how do we relate to it? What stories unfold between art and life? What is revealed when we take a closer look?

Seven of Norway's prominent literary authors write about their relationship with art in Oslo. The result is a series of strong and personal texts, which explore the capital city and the art it contains in various ways. Here are essays about Vigeland Park, a fly sculpture near Ring 2, the well-known animal sculptures by Skule Waksvik, and much more.

The contributions are supplemented by an in-depth article about public art by art historian Gunnar Sørensen and a photo essay by Thomas Ekström.

"The Commonly Owned" is a literary city walk that puts into words something most people have a relationship with but perhaps don't always reflect on. The collection offers everything from small snapshots to surprising stories about the connection between the individual and society. With the help of the authors, it becomes possible to see Oslo with fresh eyes and discover new aspects of something we own together: our shared artistic heritage.

"The Commonly Owned" is published in collaboration with Kunstnernes Hus, which organizes an exhibition of the same name, and with the support of the Oslo Municipality's art collection, Kulturetaten.