Today we focused on Olafur Eliasson, a famous artist known for his sculptures and installation works. Eliasson's projects consist of natural materials such as light and water, and are utilized in ways that emphasize time and space. In doing so, he creates an experience for his viewers, and impacts the way that they interpret his art.
Eliasson discusses this relation between the viewer and space as tangible, explaining that as people start to interact with the environment, they begin to see themselves within it rather than separate from it. An example of this is seen in one of his most well known works, The Weather Project. The exhibit was placed in a large hall, and centered around a semi-circular disc made of light, and a mirror that spanned across the ceiling. Eliasson created an atmosphere that felt elemental, and was well received by the public, many of whom would lay out on their backs and interact with the mirror ceiling above. In this sense, I believe that Eliasson succeeded in making the space into something that was functional, and transformed by the actions and behavior of the viewers. In a way, Eliasson lets his viewers become the creators, as they manipulate the space.
Many of his works also showcase that space has a dimension of time. The New York City Waterfalls are an excellent illustration of this relationship. Eliasson describes this experience through the example of viewing a waterfall in nature. From a distance, the falling water seems to slow down, but as you interact with the space and move closer, the water will speed up. The waterfalls in New York are meant to mimic this relationship, contrasted against the immense backdrop of New York City. Depending on how the viewer interacts with the environment, their perception and experience of Eliasson's work will hange.
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