The artwork is made by Antony Gormley, a London-based sculpter also known for "Another Place". It took 4 years to decide whether or not to place the figures in Stavanger. The project is financed by the Municipality of Stavanger, Stavanger Art Society and Rogaland Art Museum. Each sculpture is fitted 1.95 meters lower than the previous. The first iron man is placed at the Art museum some 40 meters above sea level. The last sculpture is found in the sea just outside of Natvigs Minde downtown Stavanger.
I first encountered Mr. Gormley's work at the Sola beach when "Another Place" took place. "Another Place" was 100 sculptures (similar to the ones that are described above) placed on the beach and out in the water at Sola. At first people were shocked by the idea of placing lots of statues on the beach but as time went by I think most people fell in love with this exhibition and many were sad when they were removed. But now, similar sculptures are back in "Broken Column" and I will present some pictures of the various statues below.
The sculptures' are all 1.95 tall and they all face 10° west. The 'Fish Market' sculpture is the one that has given the direction for the rest of the sculptures. It is located in the harbour and it is looking out at the sea. Each sculpture is also placed in a specific height. Sculpture no. 1 is located at Stavanger museum of fine arts and it is located at 41.41 meters above sea level. Sculpture number 2 is 41.41 - 1.95 = 39.45 meter above sea level and this continues until the last one located 1.23 meters below sea level at Natvigs Minde.