The Mocking Mural in Oslo City Hall in Oslo, Norway

Oslo City Hall, a renowned tourist attraction in Norway, is celebrated for its annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Yet, not many venture to the artistically embellished second floor. In 1937-8, the esteemed artist Willi Midelfart was tasked with painting Det gror, a grand fresco adorning the city hall's banquet hall on the second floor.

Midelfart drew inspiration from summer life at Holmsbu and the iconic works of artist Edvard Munch. The mural displays families swimming, playing, and exploring the beauty of nature. Originally, the banquet hall featured a single door, situated on the left side. Midelfart's artistic vision was disrupted when the architect, midway through the project, decided to augment the hall with a mirror image door on the right side, aiming for visual balance.

In a defiant gesture, Midelfart subtly conveyed his dissatisfaction towards the new door through his artwork. He depicted a small child pointing at the newly added doorway, tongue sticking out in a defiant display of displeasure.

Adding to the artist's displeasure, the matching door on the right side of the room was rendered useless. As one walks past the adjoining room (the kitchen), it becomes evident that the rightmost door is bricked up, rendering it inaccessible. Today, the mural serves as a poignant reminder to never interfere with an artist's creative process and respect their work on the canvas.