What process does Eliasson use to “learn about” and “discover” ideas for his projects?
He states that objects themselves are not the most interspersing part. Instead, the most interesting part is how this object interacts with people and mean to them. He also likes to question himself to get a better solution for creating artworks. Artworks do not to depend on a really fancy tool or expensive materials. What we have is what can use. What is more, he points out that nature gives us space and experiments that can inspires us a lot.
What process does Eliasson use to help a work grown from an idea and into a realized project?
He knows the potentials of materials and shapes to form a better art piece, which can help a work from the ideas to the reality. Take the sunflower light as an example. It is a tiny product that only not an art work, but also means differently for different groups of people. It may be a renewable energy using in a public activities, or it can be life-changing light for the poor.
How would you describe Eliasson’s approach to collaboration?
He believes artists are connected in different networks. And in his studio, there are three teams which are craftsmen, research team and architects. In his opinion, studio is not a place to run away from the world, but it is a place that can observe the world. Even though he usually has strong opinions about artworks, he is still patient to listen to others suggestions and make some improvements.
What are some of the major themes in Eliasson’s work? How are these explored in his work?
The major these are water, nature, temperature and public space.
He does not want to only focus on the form but more on the content. Also, he came up with a question that, “How do people know they are in a public space?” Therefore, he tried to create artwork both inside and outside, which located at a museum in London. For another artwork “ice watch”, he and his coworkers delivered several blocks of ice into a public space to let people see the melting process, in order to show the influence of climate change and global warming. Eliasson wants to create some meaning about art or even beyond art.
