Istanbul Modern is set to showcase a comprehensive selection from the 30-year career of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, renowned worldwide for his projects and works, starting June 7, 2024. Sponsored by the Eczacıbaşı Group and VitrA, the exhibition titled “Olafur Eliasson: Your Unexpected Encounter” marks the artist’s first exhibition in Turkey. 

Olafur Eliasson emphasizes that art is only complete when it encounters the audience, highlighting the active participation of viewers as a core component of his works. The exhibition features nearly 40 works, including new productions, focusing on themes such as water, light, color, perception, movement, geometry, and environment. The exhibition is curated by Öykü Özsoy Sağnak, Nilay Dursun, and Ümit Mesci from the museum’s curatorial team. 

The exhibition “Olafur Eliasson: Your Unexpected Encounter” will be on display from June 7, 2024, to February 9, 2025. 

Who is Olafur Eliasson? 

Artist Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967) investigates the meaning and relevance of art globally through his works. Eliasson’s expansive exhibitions, including installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and films, have been featured in major museums worldwide since 1997. In 2003, he represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale and created “The weather project” in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern in London. His public space projects include “The New York City Waterfalls” (2008), “Ice Watch” (2014), and “Fjordenhus” (2018). In 2012, Eliasson founded the social enterprise “Little Sun,” and in 2014, he established the art and architecture office Studio Other Spaces with architect Sebastian Behmann. In 2019, Eliasson was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). His Berlin-based Studio Olafur Eliasson hosts a diverse team of craftsmen, architects, archivists, researchers, cooks, art historians, and technicians.

Eliasson and his studio increasingly focus on sustainability and global warming in their work. Beyond addressing these themes artistically, they take measures to reduce their carbon footprint in the production and exhibition processes. 

For details and ticket information, click here.