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.
