Voice of London

Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson 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 Eliasson’s major passions: his concern with nature – a recurring theme in his work (Eliasson 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 exhibition was perhaps most representative of how Eliasson believes we shape the world – even using museum-goers as part of his installation. In this sensory experience, visitors senses are tried and tested in pitch dark rooms, optical illusions, and a corridor full of fog. 

If there was one standout instalment it would be ‘Din Blinde Passager’ – a 39-metre-long corridor filled with fog. The true epitome of a sensory experience, this installation 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, Eliasson 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 

Words: Jodie Shepherd

Photos: Jodie Shepherd (artwork by Olafur Eliasson)