Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eisasson makes his long-awaited return to the Tate Modern with his In Real Life exhibition. On display until 5th January 2020, the exhibition is the first of Elisasson’s since his unforgettable 2003 display ‘The Weather Project’.
The display features over 40 works - from installations and sculptures to photography and paintings. Created between 1990 and today, the works have all been inspired by three of Elisasson’s most important interests: his concern with nature - a recurring theme in his work (Elisasson displayed giant blocks of melting polar ice outside of the Tate Modern to draw attention to the vast rates of global warming), his research into geometry and his investigations into how the world is perceived and shaped by us.
The latter of these interests is perhaps the most obvious throughout the exhibition; it’s clear that Elisasson wants viewers to become immersed in his work and the display is very much a sensory experience, at that. His aim for visitors to become more aware of their senses is one that he’s – unsurprisingly - managed to pull off incredibly well.
If there was one standout instalment it would be ‘Din Blinde Passager’ – a 39-metre-long corridor filed with fog. As the epitome of what Elisasson meant when he said he wanted people’s senses to be heightened, the corridor is disorientating, eerie and quite simply terrifying. It’s not shocking that some visitors are left clinging to their friends’ arms whilst trying to manoeuvre their way through the room but, at the same time, it’s strangely beautiful; the way the golden light filters through the fog is like something from another world – and it’s an experience like no other.
As an artist, Elissasson doesn’t disappoint – his work is contemporary, unusual and simply mesmerising; and this exhibition is the perfect example of such. In Real Life is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that is not one to miss.
In Real Life is at the Tate Modern until 5th January 2020.
Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
It is recommended to book in advance
Ticket prices: Adult £18; Senior citizen £17; Student £17; Job seeker £17; Disabled £17; Disabled companion free; Family child aged 12-18 (no ticket required for under 12s) £5; Members free
Please note: this piece was originally published on Voice of London
Please note: this piece was originally published on Voice of London
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