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Beautiful work of Alphonse Mucha and early piece if Art Nouveau!

The Seasons, Winter (1896)

Alphonse Mucha

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Through Oslo Spaces...

The photo captures a striking blend of modern art and urban architecture near the Oslo Central Station. In the foreground, a wooden structure resembling traditional Norwegian log buildings creates a stark yet harmonious contrast with the surrounding metallic elements. A prominent modern clock tower, with its sleek metal design and clear, bold clock face, stands out as a focal point.

The background features part of a classic building façade, adding depth and historical context to the scene. Above, the clean lines of a contemporary roof structure highlight the integration of industrial materials into the space. The clear blue sky enhances the overall composition, lending light and vibrancy to the urban landscape.

This installation is a beautiful example of how modern art can coexist with tradition, transforming functional spaces into areas of reflection and visual interest.

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha.

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Beautiful absurdity scene

One day when doing some food delivery you just enter the local cafe and meet this cute Neanderthal friend. He is serving espresso upon the math equations, graffiti tags and colorful splatters.

This funny mural as if speaks with notes of urban rebellion, absurdity and mind-bending mishmash

- What on earth is that, Henry ?

- Pure Postmodernism, sir!

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Some doors keep big stories...

Lovely doors in Lviv which still keep the street name before WWII written in Polish. Once in was a side entrance into famous local "Atlas" restaurant

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha

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This stunning plaza perfectly captures Oslo's forward-thinking spirit.

Nestled between the elegant Queen Eufemia Street and the graceful Acrobat Bridge, this square feels like an open-air gallery of modern architecture. The Deloitte building on photo stands proud with its gleaming glass facade.

What makes this square special is how it plays with space and light. The designers have done something really clever here - they've created these different levels and textures that make the square feel dynamic. You'll notice the subtle changes in paving patterns, the thoughtfully placed seating areas, and these amazing light installations that transform the space after sunset...

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Salt flakes from Drohobych Saltworks, the oldest functioning enterprise in Ukraine.

Dozens of millions years ago this was an ancient sea.

Then mountains rose. The water lost its connection to the sea, forming salt lakes. Over hundreds of thousands of years, the water evaporated, leaving salt deposits that later moved underground through tectonic movements.

Several hours before the photo was taken, the heavily salted water was pomped from underground, boiled in the big bowls... and this is how freshly crystalized salt flakes look.

I tried a pinch of it and it was so delicious!

The salt was a major export product from the area. The business flourished untill late 16 century when cheaper salt was discovered in Wieliczka and a few other places.

In recent years, Drohobych salt production has been more about local heritage and tradition than business, so it's been subsidized by the Ukrainian government. I led several tours for my American guests there when I took this photo and tasted the local legendary product.

Just a couple hundred meters from the Saltworks there is a unique wooden Church inscribed on Unesco World Heritage list, which is another story...

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Lviv, where stories start

Lviv isn't just a place; it's a living, breathing entity with a personality all its own. The morning mist that embraces the ancient spires, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee wafting from countless cafes, the melodic blend of church bells echoing through narrow medieval streets – these are the heartbeats of my city...

Read full article on: Notes from my routes

Collage and photos by Ihor Kuternoha

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🏛️ One of my favourite guiding experiences in Lviv were roof tours. Here is a little fragment, a glimpse into city's roofline poetry where a cute cupid, holds high a palm wreath against the peaceful at the moment city sky.

This classical composition, complete with an expressive masque and ornate vase, crowns the historic House of Scientists - once an exclusive aristocratic club. Here, at the intersection of heaven and heritage, Lviv's rich cultural tapestry continues to tell its stories through stone and sculpture.

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha from "Lviv memories" series

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Great canvas of the great artist! Aivazovsky totally nailed the vibe of old Istanbul with this one! There's this iconic Leander's Tower (also known as Maiden's Tower) just chilling in the middle of the water, and the whole scene is bathed in this absolutely gorgeous sunset that looks like it's straight out of a dream!

View of Leandrovsk tower in Constantinople (1848) by Ivan Aivazovsky

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One day after two hundred photos of my wife on diffetent exotic backgrounds I finaly got lost in the mesmerizing details of these ancient mosque doors in Istanbul. The way the ivory inlays dance with the rich wooden canvas seems to tell a story from 1001 night collection of fairy tales.

Standing here, you can't help but feel the weight of history and the dedication of artisans who turned these doors into more than just an entrance - they created a meditation on beauty itself. ✨

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha

📍 Istanbul, August 2020

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Oslo Tiger

Hey there, fellow explorer! Welcome to Oslo, and you're in for a treat because I'm about to introduce you to one of our city's most beloved landmarks - the Tiger statue right outside Oslo Central Station. Trust me, you can't miss it!

This magnificent bronze beast has been guarding our main railway station since 1994, and it's become quite the celebrity. Standing proud at 4.5 meters tall, our tiger is a sight to behold. There's a whole story behind why we've got a tiger in a city that's, well, not exactly known for its wild feline characters!

The Tiger City: Oslo's Quirky Nickname

Well, it all goes back to a nickname our city picked up in the 1870s. Back then, a popular poet named Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson referred to Oslo (then called Christiania) as "Tigerstaden" or "The Tiger City." It wasn't a compliment, though - he was criticizing the city for being a cold, dangerous place.

But you know what? We Oslovians have a great sense of humor. Instead of getting offended, we embraced the nickname! Over time, "Tigerstaden" became a term of endearment, symbolizing Oslo's spirit - confident, proud, and a bit wild at heart.

The Tiger Statue: A Modern Icon

Fast forward to 1994, and our city decided to make this nickname concrete (or bronze, in this case). The tiger statue, created by Elena Engelsen, was placed right in front of the central station. It's become the perfect meeting spot and a fantastic photo stop for tourists and locals alike.

Fun Facts About Our Feline Friend

The tiger weighs a whopping 4.5 tons - that's like 4-5 cars!

It's hollow inside, which is why you might hear it "roar" on windy days as the air whistles through it.

Local kids love to climb on it (though we don't officially encourage this for safety reasons).

During holidays, you might spot the tiger wearing a scarf or a hat - we Oslovians love dressing it up!

Your Gateway to Oslo Adventures

Now, here's a pro tip from your friendly local: the tiger is more than just a cool statue. It's the perfect starting point for your Oslo adventure! From here, you can:

Hop on a guided tour of the city - many start right here.

Take a short walk to Karl Johans gate, our main shopping street.

Head to the nearby Opera House for some stunning architecture.

Explore the vibrant Grünerløkka neighborhood, just a tram ride away.

So, whether you're here for sightseeing, shopping, or just soaking in the Oslo vibe, make sure to say hi to our tiger. It's not just a statue - it's a symbol of Oslo's spirit, and now you're part of its story too! Enjoy your time in our Tiger City!

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Débarcadère - a platform coverage at Lviv railway station. Those impressive firms were produced in Wadowice (Moravia) in 1903 and withstood two world wars. A mature local used to wish you to be as strong as Lviv Débarcadère. Some eloquent local journalists called it “a steel web growing from the concrete”

One day I got to Lviv Railway Station when it was absolutely empty during corona time. The platform coverage was still there with amazing lines and power.

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha

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Among old and new we can find vibrant splashes of life, color, values...

The cities, like human beings have their ups and downs, balance between history and modernity, uniformity and individuality. Warsaw, the capital of Poland is one of the cities, where I like to return: elegant, historic, heroic, intellectual and stylish.

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Wine theme modern street Art in Lviv city, Ukraine. Several atmospheric wine boutiques were around. I liked to drop in as a city guide during wine tours and to hang out with my best friends in late evenings.

Street "accessories" in general were a strong point in Lviv, when murals, cafe signs, terrace furniture, lanterns, flowers and other outfit added so much to what the city already offered: great architecture, rich history and firm traditions.

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha

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Norway's coastline is a marvel of nature, filled with breathtaking fjords, rugged cliffs, picturesque islands and cozy beaches.

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha.

Location: Ulsteinvik, Møre Og Romsdal

A few facts about this stunning Scandinavian shore!

Norway boasts an impressive coastline that stretches over 100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) when including all its fjords and islands. This makes it one of the longest coastlines in the world, despite Norway's relatively small land area.

Parts of the Norwegian coastline lie above the Arctic Circle, offering the unique phenomena of the Midnight Sun in summer and Polar Nights in winter. This means you can experience 24 hours of daylight or darkness, depending on when you visit.

Norway's coastline is dotted with over 50,000 islands, each with its own unique charm. The Lofoten Islands, with their dramatic peaks and picturesque fishing villages, are particularly famous among tourists and photographers.

The Norwegian coast is teeming with diverse marine life. You can spot whales, seals, and even killer whales in certain areas. The cold, nutrient-rich waters also support a thriving fishing industry, with cod, herring, and salmon being some of the most important catches.

From its sheer length to its natural wonders and unique experiences, the Norwegian coastline is truly a treasure trove for travelers. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply breathtaking views, Norway's coast has something for everyone.

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Museum mood and its senses

There's something magical about wandering through the halls of a grand museum. As you step into the vast, dimly lit rooms, a hushed silence envelops you, broken only by the soft echoes of footsteps on polished floors.

The air is thick with history and reverence. Paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from bygone eras fill the space. Each piece can tell a story...

In the soft, ambient lighting, colors seem more vivid, textures more pronounced. You find yourself drawn to intricate details you might have missed in harsher illumination - the delicate brushstrokes of a master painter, the weathered patina of an ancient bronze, the subtle play of light and shadow in a marble sculpture or in the window curtains...

Photo by Ihor Kuternoha

Location: Palazzo Bandinelli. Lviv Historical Museum

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Impressive piece of Art!

Eugene de Blaas (Italian-Austrian, 1843-1931)

La sarta