100 years ago, the young Norwegian chemical engineer Erik Rotheim filed a patent for the aerosol can. His brilliant invention would change the art world, without him ever experiencing the profound and unexpected consequences of his genius.
The exhibition "The Spray Can 100 Years" consists of historical objects, archival documentation and curated artworks, and tells the story of how this Norwegian invention became a global success and catalyst for the international graffiti and street art movement.
As a symbol of freedom of expression and democratic forms of creativity, the origin story of the spray can has not yet been fully told or celebrated. The changing exhibition “The Spray Can 100 Years” (10.9.–15.11.) highlights the legacy of Erik Rotheim, and we look forward to welcoming the public to our exhibition, conference and public outreach program with creative activities for children and young people this fall.
