Art, Optical Wonder & Fighting Climate Change - Olafur Eliasson at the Tate
Sunlight, rain, rainbows, fog - elemental forces are brought to the Tate Modern in a varied exhibition of Olafur Eliasson's work. This retrospective of the Danish-Icelandic artist includes sensorial and thought-provoking pieces, creating a sublime experience.
Eliasson's 'Weather Project' at the Tate has not been easily forgotten. Back in 2003, Eliasson filled the Tate's Turbine Hall with a bright, intense sun. He is now back with a popular exhibition hosting 40 works that offer many optical puzzles and visual wonders.
Pieces are encountered outside the gallery before you enter. For example Room for one colour 1997 that casts a yellowy glow over the corridor as you make your way to the gallery entrance. There is a collection of early works, including a spongy moss wall. Yes that's right, moss. What more could a Conservator want in their museum (see above photo)?
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| Window projection |
Next is an installation featuring a calm shower of rain in a dark room, with light shining onto the droplets creating refractions. It is simply and aptly named Beauty.
The artwork that had the most impact for me was Your Blind Passage. Walking through a long corridor of fog, or smog, I could barely see beyond my outstretched hand. As you move through, the fog changes from white to an intense, dusty orange. I thought of the destroyed and barren landscape of Blade Runner.
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| Beauty |
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| Your blind passage |
Emerging from the fog/smog, is a room exploring Eliasson's work with kaleidoscopes. Gently swirling shapes and colours are projected across the walls and ceiling. Another piece playing with light and colour is Your uncertain shadow, which is a clear favourite if Instagram is anything to go by. It seems that a photo of your shadow in rainbow form is obligatory if you visit this exhibition, myself included (see below image).
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| In real life |
Eliasson is an environmental campaigner and a UN Goodwill Ambassador for climate. At the Tate, this is witnessed particularly in his glacial studies, but also in other installations evocative of pollution and climate change. Indeed, it is through much of his art that he encourages engagement with environmental issues.
As opposed to the more traditional way to view sculptures and art through imaginative exploration alone, this exhibition invites you to sensually participate. It is an experiential exhibition, interactive, tactile; his work is highly immersive. This is what makes this show unique and therefore absolutely worth a visit.
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| How do we live together? |
Tickets here:
* All content, including photos, is my own