Bjørn Staal

Bjørn Staal is an artist and software developer based in Oslo, Norway.

His work explores the dynamic interactions between computational systems, human perception & behavior. With more than a decade of experience in multidisciplinary design and software development, Staal co-founded the experimental art and design studio Void in 2015. Focused mainly on the development of large-scale interactive installations, Void has gained international recognition for its work at the intersection of design, architecture, technology, and art.

Since leaving the studio in 2023, Bjørn has focused on his own artistic practice, exploring how algorithms can enrich our understanding of what it means to be human in an age where more and more of our agency is being outsourced. Staal’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, as part of online and physical exhibitions as well as installations in public spaces. In September 2024, Staal had his first solo exhibition at Wintercircus in Ghent, Belgium.

0554, Oslo

+47 412 32 199

@bgstaal        / Github

@_nonfigurativ_ / Instagram

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Totem

2021

installation, sculpture

Aluminium, Steel, Servo motors, C++ code

Tullinløkka, Oslo

Are Mokkelost

Void

Totem is an illuminated wall sculpture featuring kinetic components, developed as a collaboration between Void and Norwegian artist Are Mokkelbost. The sculpture consists of five circular forms arranged vertically within a rectangular, diamond-shaped chassis that houses an automated lighting system. Three motorized light sources travel along internal rails, activating after sunset to create a time-based performance of illumination.

The sculpture's front surface maintains an off-white finish that blends with the mounting wall, while the reverse sides of the circular elements feature yellow and orange coloration. This dual-surface approach creates contrast between the neutral exterior and the warm interior palette, establishing a foundation for the dynamic color interactions generated by the moving light sources.

Totem at Tullinløkka, Oslo

© Einar Aslaksen

The internal lighting system creates continuous variations in luminance and chromatic output as the motorized sources traverse their predetermined paths. The precise cutting and folding of the circular components, combined with strategic perforations in the chassis, function as optical filters that mask and redirect light both within the sculpture and onto surrounding wall surfaces. This systematic light manipulation generates diffused color fields and geometric shadow patterns that extend the artwork's visual impact beyond its physical boundaries.

The mechanical system (developed by Intek Engineering) features three movable light fixtures that are controlled using custom software system developed in C++/Beckhoff PLC code

© Einar Aslaksen