Thorildsplan is one of only three street-level surface stations in downtown Stockholm. Built in 1952, it has tile artwork by Lars Arrhenius, commissioned in 2008. The art uses pixelated imagery inspired by 8-bit video games: clouds, mushroom power-ups and projectiles appear across the tiles.

Arrhenius drew on the station’s surroundings. Street crossings, roundabouts, elevated sidewalks, elevators and stairs reminded him of complex video-game levels. He had to work in tile, but otherwise had creative freedom. Visit Stockholm says the material suited his background.

Art guide Marie Andersson says Stockholm Public Transport, known as SL, and Stockholm Art Council select art from artists’ submissions and do not propose subjects in advance. She also says subway art does not have to depict a station’s name or what is above ground.

The artwork is at the station, which is on Stockholm’s green subway line. Trains 17, 18 and 19 stop there.