O L A F U R E L I A S S O N
Olafur Eliasson isn’t an unfamiliar name to me. I have previously been accustomed to his works, even though to be honest I don’t remember which work exactly was first. But one that stood out is The Weather Project, which was done way back in 2003.
Created for the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern, London, this site-specific installation employed a semi-circular screen, a ceiling of mirrors, and artificial mist to create the illusion of a sun. Aluminium frames lined with mirror foil were suspended from the ceiling to create a giant mirror that visually doubled the volume of the hall – along with the semi-circular screen mounted on the far wall, its long edge abutting the mirror ceiling. Backlit by approximately 200 mono-frequency lights, the semi-circle and its reflection created the image of a massive, indoor sunset seen through the artificial mist emitted into the room. By walking to the far end of the hall, visitors could see how the sun was constructed, and the reverse of the mirror structure was visible from the top floor of the museum.
I loved this work, how simple yet so impactful it was. I loved how it completely transformed the space, I loved the grandness of it, the size of it. The atmosphere it created, and the environment it created. The way it influenced how people interacted with it, with each other.
People lied down on the floor, watching themselves in the mirror above them. It was interesting how at some parts the audience created something for themselves as seen above. An interaction that would not have existed if it weren’t for this installation.
Olafur Eliasson is well known for his large scale sculptures and installations. He often includes elemental materials such as light, water, and air temperature to engage with the viewer’s perception of space.
In this video, Eliasson talks about the formation of an idea, and likens the space ideas comes from to a treasure room. He talks about how sometimes words can amplify an idea, but sometimes, letting intuition flow in, the idea can be delivered more productively.
As someone who overthinks and is indecisive, I tend to put a lot of words into my work, feeling the need to justify everything so that everyone can understand me and my work, and it is difficult for me to be concise.
The video opened up my thoughts about how ideas can be delivered. The body reacts instinctively, and through understanding it and its host – humans, we can understand the essence of interaction better.
M I N I M A L I S M S H O W
The Minimalism Show was very enjoyable. There were so many works, and it was intriguing to see so many ways a minimalistic approach was interpreted, by the artists, and then the audience. It was hard to choose a favorite, since I was really captivated by many. However, Eliasson’s Room For One Colour was one that solicited an immediate memorable response from me.
I think it’s fun to explore the museum with no expectations of what works I would be discovering. The element of surprise changes the experience completely.
Upon entering the space, you immediately notice that your sense of vision has been altered, in a very surreal, but familiar way – as if a filter has been put across your eyes.
We are familiar with filters – something that alters the image you see through your camera, most widely used in your phones. This is a common, familiar image that you see through your phone camera. However, this experience was analogue. It was physical. I was suspended in disbelief as I looked down on my grey – yellow skin.
“WHAT IS GOING ON” I couldn’t help but state this out loud.
The intense yellow lights altered our vision this way, and this was a new concept to me, that this could be done. The novelty, the non expectation, and having friends inside as visual subjects enhanced my experience of the space.
I realised that the body is engaged in a way that is the most instinctive, and it is really simple, yet very impactful, and I feel that Eliasson is successful in delivering that idea to his audience.
