For several years, Norwegian architectural associations and the Støtteaksjon movement to preserve the Y-block have tried to prevent the demolition of the Y-block - a government building in central Oslo, designed by architect Erling Viksjø and adorned with unique concrete reliefs by Pablo Picasso and the Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar.

But despite extensive protests in Norway's cultural life, the dissuasion from both the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Pablo Picasso Museum in Barcelona and a judicial review of the demolition permit, the government had the Y-block demolished in November 2020.

The reason is that the Y-block was damaged in the terrorist attack in 2011, and in 2014 it was decided that the building would be demolished for security reasons.

The heirs go to court

But the conflict is not over - the heirs of the architect Erling Viksjø and the artist Carl Nesjar believe that they have the right to decide where the Picasso reliefs "Måsen" and "Fiskarna" should be relocated.

- "The Pisces" was intended as a gift to the people, but now the work will be placed over a VIP entrance to the Prime Minister's office in the new government building.

It is very strange, says Espen Viksjø, grandson of Erling Viksjø, to NRK and continues:

- It must be placed so that it becomes accessible to as many people as possible, both government ministers and ordinary people.

The heirs believe that they have part of the copyright to the art on the Y-block, which was an integral part of the building's facade and can not only be attributed to Pablo Picasso.

The case will now be decided in Oslo District Court March 22-25.

"Evokes emotions"

Both works of art are intended to be included in the new government quarter, A-block, at Einar Gerhardsen's square - "Fiskarna" at the VIP entrance, and "Måsen" in the reception area.

The heirs' lawyer Hans Marius Graasvold believes that there are many reasons why the Y-block arouses such strong feelings.

- The background is the terrorist attack that caused the Y-block to be demolished, and the Y-block's decoration has a place in many people's hearts.

I am excited before the trial, not only as a lawyer but as a culture enthusiast, he tells NRK.