Olafur Eliasson
* seeing yourself sensing

november 2019
written Michelle Heath

Eliasson pulls inspiration for much of his work from nature and his time in Iceland. He believes in creating art that is submersive and experiential. Many of the pieces in the exhibition are experiences unlike any other. 

Olafur Eliasson 
Seen by Runa Maya Mørk Huber / Studio Olafur Eliasson 
© 2017 Olafur Eliasson 

Upon arrival, visitors are met with an extensive collection of Eliasson’s models and prototypes. From wireframes to Lego blocks and cardboard, the glass case is full of processes, successes, and failures, providing a glimpse into the active imagination of this incredible artist. 

Seeing yourself sensing’ is how Olafur Eliasson describes the viewing experience of his work.

In the next room, visitors can see a variety of materials Eliasson works with, using water in ‘I Grew Up in Solitude and Silence’ (1991) and ‘Wavemachines’ (1995), as well as Nordic moss on ‘Moss Wall’ (1994). ‘Beauty’ (1993) is a simple mist of water in a darkened room but somehow daunting and mesmerizing at the same time. Eliasson’s exploration of material, sound, and experience is incredible. Moving on to ‘Din Blinde Passage’ (Your Blind Passenger) in 2010, visitors are immersed in a 39-meter-long corridor filled with fog. At times the experience is intriguing and joyous as colors change and you pass through the embrace of the fog. But moments of panic set in as points of reference disappear and depth perception is removed. It’s a quick and somewhat abrupt change when it occurs but is also incredibly intriguing. 

Another space is filled with rainbow reflections that cascade down the walls from a new work by Eliasson titled, ‘In Real Life’ (2019). From there, visitors can walk through the life-sized kaleidoscope, ‘Your Spiral View’ (2002). This room is filled with light and distorted views, blurring the lines between reality and reflection.  

In another space, adults become children again playing with shadows in front of multicolored lights. For the piece ‘Your Uncertain Shadow’ (2010), the premise is simple, but the replication becomes confusing and you find yourself lost amongst the crowd of colored silhouettes.  The photo series ‘Melting Ice on Gunnar’s Land’’ (2008) and ‘The Glacier Series’ (1999) are where Eliasson’s interest in the changing global climate becomes very clear. Eliasson photographed the Icelandic glaciers over a number of years, photographically documenting their decline. It is subtle yet still very poignant. ‘How Do We Live Together?’ (2019) turns viewers on their heads with a mirrored ceiling and seemingly continuous loop. To experience the room is truly fascinating but to witness others interacting with this space is what truly makes it incredible. Viewers consume the floor space by laying down to interact with it to a greater extent. It’s a truly endearing moment. 

After entering a darkened room to see ‘Big Bang Fountain’ (2014), visitors are struck by the sound of rushing water but unsure of the source. Gravitating to a flash of light, the source of the is soon discovered. A fountain of water flows but is frozen in time when a light flashes. Each new flash reveals a different water source, creating some very temporary art before plunging viewers back into complete darkness. The black room combined with the overwhelming sound of water feels hectic at times, but with that simple flash of light, time briefly stands still. 

‘The Expanded Studio’ provides visitors with another look into Olafur Eliasson’s creative world. This space buzzes with excitement and inspiration. Outside of the exhibition space, visitors can experience more of Eliasson’s work with ‘Room for One Colour’ (1997), a corridor filled with warm, yellow light and another new piece made for this exhibition, ‘Waterfall’.

In the Tate’s Turbine Hall, visitors are given the chance to collaborate with Eliasson at a table of white Lego forms. Participants are encouraged to destroy, rebuild, and adapt this skyline made using one ton of Lego bricks. ‘Olafur Eliasson: The Cubic Structural Evolution Project’ is a terrific example of art’s ability to engage, relate, inspire, and connect with people. Eliasson does an astonishing job of blurring the lines between art and design. His collaborations result in work that is both entertaining and educational. With his collection of work, it’s not hard to see why Eliasson has become one of the world's most prolific artists of our time.

TATE Modern, London:
Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life can be seen until 05 January 2020