In a series of exploring the young Norwegian art scene, we met with visual artist Julius Karoubi at his studio in the outskirts of Oslo. Inside an abandoned flight station, he resides with other visual artists, creating both small- and large-scale art of contemporary kind. From post-consumer packaging to untraditional mosaics and brand logos, he sees art where others don’t at first sight.

Read our quick Q&A with Julius and discover his art.

How did you start as an artist?
I don’t think there is a choice of becoming an artist. It’s more of a realization, I would say. I never thought and didn't know I could become an artist. Creating was always my interest as a kid; collecting things, making stuff, drawing people and objects. Using found bird feathers and empty toilet rolls, making them into sculptural items, only to collect those too. Then, years later, even though I was really anti-school, I started art school and put even more focus and time into the work. Now that I’m in my own studio, suddenly I look back and it all makes perfect sense, somehow.

How would you describe your art?
Absorbing, collecting, digesting. Making it into something new. Trying to understand my surroundings. A collage of life, I guess. Personal relations to mass produced items. Learning about my Algerian heritage without seeing it. Looking towards the horizon, thinking with my hands. Producing to understand.

What inspires you?
Surroundings. Visual impressions. Construction sites. Consumer packaging. Fashion. Music. Pop culture. Low culture. Supermarkets and tourist shops. Mosaic floors from thousands of years ago. Being in the studio.