American artist's unpublished work to remain sealed until 2114 in Oslo's forest-linked archive
Laurie Anderson has become the 13th contributor to the Future Library project in Oslo, depositing a manuscript that will remain unread until 2114. The work is stored in a silent room at the Deichman Bjørvika public library, and the eventual anthology will be printed on paper made from trees planted in 2014 in the Nordmarka forest. Anderson, a Grammy-winning artist, said she loved the idea of combining books, libraries and forests.
The Future Library project, conceived by artist Katie Paterson, began in 2014 with the planting of 1,000 spruce trees in Oslo's Nordmarka forest. Each year, one prominent writer contributes a manuscript that remains unread until the project's culmination in 2114, when the collected works will be printed on paper derived from those original trees. Anderson's selection marks her as the 13th contributor, joining a roster that includes Margaret Atwood and Han Kang.
Anderson's personal connection to the project stems from childhood memories of a library near her home and a red oak tree where her mother hid chocolate. She has published ten books and received a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2024, with her multimedia work exhibited at major institutions including the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington DC.
This project could reshape how society views cultural preservation, creating a deliberate bridge between present and future generations. The 88-year waiting period may inspire other long-term artistic initiatives, while the forest-to-paper cycle could reinforce environmental awareness in cultural circles. Readers in 2114 will encounter a curated snapshot of contemporary voices, potentially influencing how future audiences understand early 21st-century artistic concerns. The project's emphasis on patience and legacy may also prompt reflection on society's current preference for immediate gratification.