Olafur Eliasson

Date of Birth: February 5, 1967

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Olafur Eliasson is an internationally acclaimed Danish-Icelandic artist known for his large-scale installations, sculptures, and architectural projects. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Eliasson grew up in both Denmark and Iceland, which significantly influenced his artistic exploration of nature and perception. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1989 to 1995. Eliasson gained global recognition with “The Weather Project” at Tate Modern in London in 2003, where he created an artificial sun that transformed the museum’s Turbine Hall. His work often involves elemental materials such as light, water, and mist, and he frequently collaborates with scientists, architects, and engineers to realize his projects. Eliasson is also the founder of Studio Olafur Eliasson, a Berlin-based collective that works on art, architecture, and design projects. His art challenges viewers to think about their perception of the world, climate change, and the interconnectedness of people and nature.

5 Interesting Facts about Olafur Eliasson

1. Olafur Eliasson co-founded the social business Little Sun, which provides solar-powered lamps to communities without access to electricity.

2. He represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003 with his installation “The Blind Pavilion.”

3. Eliasson’s studio in Berlin employs a diverse team of over 100 people, including craftsmen, architects, and art historians.

4. He has received numerous awards, including the Niels Bohr Medal in 2013 and the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum in 2016.

5. Eliasson collaborated with architect Sebastian Behmann to design the facade of the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland, which features a geometric glass structure inspired by Icelandic basalt formations.