Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, renowned for his groundbreaking exploration of light, perception, and natural phenomena, has unveiled two extraordinary projects in South Korea: Breathing Earth, a monumental installation in Sinan County’s Docho Island, and Inside the New Blind Spots, a major solo exhibition at PKM Gallery in Seoul. These two initiatives exemplify Eliasson’s ability to blend art, science, and human experience to inspire profound reflection on our connection with the world.

Breathing Earth, located in the hydrangea garden of Docho Island in Sinan County, reflects the island’s volcanic topography and natural beauty. Eliasson described the installation as an immersive experience where traditional boundaries dissolve: “There is no horizon, no walls, ceiling, or floor. Inside the sphere, you simply feel present in this very moment.” This work celebrates the island’s unique landscape while inviting viewers to engage deeply with their surroundings. Sinan County, often called the "land of a thousand islands," provides a fitting backdrop for the artist's exploration of nature and temporality.

In Seoul, Inside the New Blind Spots marks Eliasson’s return to PKM Gallery after five years, presenting a collection of new sculptures, watercolor paintings, and large-format prints. This exhibition invites visitors to reconsider their perception of reality, focusing on overlooked or "blind" aspects of their environment. Eliasson explains, “Blind spots enhance our awareness of the here and now, allowing us to see what we previously ignored.” Through his interdisciplinary approach, the artist fosters a state of uncertainty that challenges conventional perspectives and reveals hidden layers of experience.

The first gallery space at PKM showcases Eliasson’s watercolor series, which delves into the phenomena of color perception. These works highlight how color emerges through the interplay of light and surfaces, revealing that analyzing color is akin to examining our cognitive processes. In Seeing Sensitivity Flare, a wall sculpture inspired by the lens flare phenomenon, Eliasson transforms what is traditionally seen as a photographic error into a dynamic visual centerpiece. The vibrant halos and rings evoke a sense of wonder, turning imperfection into a source of beauty.

The second gallery transforms into a kaleidoscopic environment with Your Polyamorous Sphere, a suspended sculpture of interlocking geometric forms derived from Platonic solids. This work combines three layers of color-filtered glass, creating a constantly shifting array of colors and structures that change depending on the viewer's perspective. Other works, such as Orbital Centrifugal Presence and Orbital Close Encounter, explore mathematical trajectories, drawing inspiration from the Clelia curve. These intricate glass installations reflect viewers and their surroundings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments.

The annex of PKM Gallery highlights Eliasson’s longstanding exploration of light and color. The 2005 series The Colour Spectrum translates the light spectrum into vibrant monochrome prints, showcasing seamless transitions across a range of hues. The Colour Circle series further investigates traditional primary colors, presenting an expanded palette of 18 intermediate shades. A dedicated reading room offers visitors access to 39 publications by Eliasson, including exhibition catalogs and artist’s books, providing deeper insight into his multifaceted artistic practice.

Eliasson’s global acclaim began with The Weather Project at Tate Modern in 2003, where he created an artificial sun that captivated millions. Since then, he has exhibited at premier institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Guggenheim Bilbao, and the Palace of Versailles. His works often extend beyond galleries, with public projects like Little Sun, a solar energy initiative for developing countries, and Studio Other Spaces, which explores the intersection of art and architecture.

Both Breathing Earth and Inside the New Blind Spots exemplify Olafur Eliasson’s mission to deepen our awareness of the world through art. Whether through the immersive landscapes of Docho Island or the transformative installations in Seoul, Eliasson continues to challenge perceptions and inspire meaningful connections with nature, society, and the self.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com