The Wick List

Viewing Olafur Eliasson at Fondation Beyeler, Basel

It’s hard to think of a living artist more dedicated to engaging the senses than the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. His large-scale installation art, ranging from artificial waterfalls, scent tunnels, yellow mist and rivers dyed fluorescent green, invites us to smell, touch, hear and feel. It also challenges notions of art and nature and our perception of our lived environment.

Life, a new immersive artwork and solo show at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, is no different. The artificially green pond, which spans the museum’s galleries and garden, activates all the senses. As you meander through the installation day or night (yes, Life has extended opening hours), you’ll encounter wildlife, flora and fauna, possible weather changes, museum visitors and the ambient sounds of insects, traffic and other people. Which, of course, makes you stop and take note of your environment.

‘Life asks what it means to be human,’ explains Eliasson in a short online video, ‘while recognising other agencies that surround us.’
This is immersive art at its best but if you’re not able to travel, browse the very comprehensive multi-media presentation dedicated to the work online. Enjoy podcasts, videos, detailed info panels and more.

Share story
Dates
18 April 2021 — 11 July 2021
Further information
READ MORE
The Wick - Catinca Malaimare, Gamma and Omega hold hands, 2023, performance documentation, Zabludowicz Collection. Photo Tim Bowditch 7
The Wick List

Viewing Catinca Malaimare: Gamma and Omega hold hands

The Wick - Serge Attukwei Clottey: Crossroads, Simon Lee Gallery, London, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates
The Wick List

Viewing Serge Attukwei Clottey: Crossroads

The Wick - Installation view of Mike Nelson, Triple Bluff Canyon (the woodshed), 2004. Various materials. M25, 2023. Found tyres. Photo: Matt Greenwood. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery.
The Wick List

Viewing Nike Nelson: ‘Extinction Beckons’

The Wick - My Reality is Different, 2022 (detail);
Animation chamber, 9-channel installation, sound: 25.15 mins
© Nalini Malani; Photo: Luke Walker
The Wick List

Viewing Nalini Malani: My Reality is Different

The Wick - ‘Collect’, the annual international fair produced by the Crafts Council at Somerset House in London, showcasing contemporary craft and design from 40 galleries and works from over 400 artists. Picture date: Wednesday March 1, 2023. PA Photo. The 19th edition of ‘Collect’ features textile, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fibre art, and glass made in the last five years. The fair runs from March 3 – 5, alongside online presentations of all participating galleries in partnership with online art marketplace, Artsy until March 12. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire.
The Wick List

Viewing Collect art fair