Sumo Bjorvika
I collaborated with Simonnæs Holding AS to create looping ambient animations for Sumo Restaurant in Bjørvika, Oslo. Designed as moving artworks, the pieces complement the restaurant’s interiors and enhance its Asian fusion atmosphere.
Role
Creative Director and Motion Designer
Client
SUMO Restaurant, Norway
Geisha
The client envisioned a peaceful Geisha centered in the frame, with subtle movements like sakura petals falling from trees. To harmonize this with the contemporary atmosphere of Bjørvika, I proposed a design language that sits between geometric precision and organic softness, symbolizing the blend of two distinct cultures. The visuals were inspired by Bjørvika’s urban vistas and photographs I captured in Japan in 2018.
Assets
The design centers on a few key elements: the Geisha, palace, and sakura flowers. I kept the details minimal while emphasizing depth, volume, and visual interest.
For the animation, I combined traditional cel animation with shape layer techniques in After Effects, as seen in the movement of the swallow-tail bird.
Koi
To complement the Geisha installation, the client wanted another display on the bathroom floor featuring koi fish swimming as if viewed from above a pond. The challenge was to make the scene feel calming yet unobtrusive for visitors. Keeping the Geisha’s visual style in mind, we designed both pieces to feel part of the same world, viewed from different perspectives.
Since its inception in 2021, the Geisha series has been adapted across various Sumo Restaurant installations, appearing both as animated pieces and physical interior elements printed on chains.
