About

Sculpture TRE is Notodden's new attraction, created by the renowned artist Erik Pirolt. The 10.5-meter-high polished steel tree stands proudly on a grassy knoll at the mouth of the Tinnåa River by Lake Heddal. With an impressive diameter of 7 meters, this artwork symbolizes the area's rich ironworks history and the river's log-floating tradition. The roots protrude from the ground around the tree and bear symbols representing Notodden's history: a turbine for power production, a watering can for fertilizer, and a water mirror for waterways. The shiny steel reflects Notodden as it is today, along with its inhabitants.

Part of Waterway Stories
The steel tree is part of Telemark Canal Nature and Culture Park's long-term initiative, "Waterway Stories," where art, architecture, and light are used to highlight the canal landscape's attractiveness. It is also included in Notodden municipality's project, Industrial Promenade.

A Monument to Creativity and Innovation
The sculpture is a monument to creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Notodden, both historically and in the present. The 2-meter-wide trunk makes "TRE" a landmark artwork that is highly visible in the landscape and creates a desired stop-effect. The installation is intended to transform the Ironworks site into an attractive and social meeting place that invites play and activity, as well as contemplation and reflection.

Funding and Collaboration
The art project was fully funded through support from both the local business community and Notodden municipality, and is a collaboration between Telemark Canal Nature and Culture Park and the municipality.