Symbiotic Seeing
The Kunsthaus Zürich presents a major solo exhibition by Olafur Eliasson. At its centre in a new, space-filling installation that addresses a key issue of our times: the relationship and interplay between human and non-human actors on Earth.
In a new, atmospherically dense installation developed specifically for the exhibition at the Kunsthaus Zürich that extends over more than 1,000 sqm, the Danish-Icelandic artist speaks directly to the viewer’s senses.
Beside being one of the most important artists working today, Olafur Eliasson has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for climate action by the United National last September 2019. He is convinced that the language of art has the potential to get people moving.
The central installation is accompanied by new sculptures and light works. Four rooms will bring visitors through a journey during which personal introspection with naturally be mixed with the perspective of our fast evolving world. The last part is a huge mood board by the studio with several topics and challenges of what we are all facing today.
Symbiosis – A New Form of Coexistence
Developed in close dialogue between Eliasson and curator Mirjam Varadinis, ‘Symbiotic Seeing’ tackles themes such as coexistence and symbiosis and aims to achieve a fundamental shift of perspective. Eliasson invites us not only to reflect on climate change – as a consequence of human action – but also to comprehend the human being as part of a larger system. He sets out to critically interrogate the relationship and hierarchy between humans and other species on Earth, and create space for other ways of living together. He successfully translates these complex theoretical deliberations into spatial situations that not only appeal to people rationally but also touch them emotionally and move them physically.
New Installation
In the central work ‘Symbiotic Seeing’, tiny whirls, currents and eddies form above visitors ‘heads, as the mist reacts to the body heat and movements of the people standing beneath.
Audio accompaniment comes from a specially composed sound score by Hildur Gudnadottir played live on a cello by a robotic arm – a gesture towards artificial intelligence and the creation of non-organic substitutes for humanity that will be new actors shaping our future.
‘Symbiotic Seeing’ creates space for reflection and sharing.
Kunsthaus Zurich has also produced a great additional curatorial material available on line here.
If you are in Zurich on January 23rd or on February 6th, the museum is organising two ‘Black Out’ nights until 11pm. The electric lighting in the museum will be turned off and visitors will be able to visit part of the Kunsthaus Collection in the dark, well almost, with the help of Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Little Sun’ solar lamp.
The exhibition (exclusive to Kunsthaus Zürich) runs until March 22nd, 2020 and is supported by Swiss Re and Art Mentor Foundation, Lucerne.
Pictures by Kunsthaus Zürich, Franca Candrian, Alcuin Stevenson / Studio Olafur Eliasson, Cyril Zammit.
