Singapore Art Museum Unveils “Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey” Exhibition

SAM introduces the first major solo exhibition in Southeast Asia featuring Acclaimed Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s captivating works, highlighting themes of perception, climate action, and more-than-human perspectives.

Singapore, 9 May 2024 – The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) announces the eagerly awaited launch of “Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey,” marking the debut of the internationally acclaimed artist’s first major solo exhibition in Southeast Asia. Opening its doors from 10 May to 22 September 2024 at SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the exhibition showcases 17 artworks spanning Eliasson’s extensive career, emphasizing themes such as embodiment, experience, perception, and the urgency of climate action. Included in the display are never-before-seen pieces and Singapore-exclusive installations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Eliasson’s thought-provoking creations before the exhibition travels to four other venues across the Asia-Pacific region.

Internationally recognized for his boundary-pushing artistry, Eliasson’s works have graced prestigious museums and public spaces worldwide since 1997. Known for his immersive installations that challenge viewers’ perceptions and heighten sensory experiences, Eliasson’s art resonates deeply with contemporary audiences by addressing societal and environmental concerns. Eugene Tan, CEO and Director of SAM expresses excitement at the prospect of bringing Eliasson’s visionary works to Southeast Asia, aiming to foster dialogue and inspire change through art.

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter a diverse array of Eliasson’s creations, each inviting active engagement and contemplation. From the mesmerizing “Yellow Corridor” (1997) to the iconic “Beauty” (1993) and the participatory “The Cubic Structural Evolution Project” (2004), attendees will delve into a world where light, wind, fog, and water converge to evoke ephemeral phenomena and provoke reflections on our relationship with the environment. Among the highlights are two Singapore-exclusive works: “Symbiotic Seeing” (2020) and “Object defined by activity (then)” (2009), which offer immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between art and observer.

Beyond aesthetic appreciation, the exhibition prompts visitors to consider pressing environmental issues, exemplified by “The Last Seven Days of Glacial Ice” (2024) and “The Seismographic Testimony of Distance” (Berlin–Singapore, no. 1 to no. 6) (2024). Through these works, Eliasson underscores the imperative of climate action, urging viewers to confront the consequences of environmental degradation and embrace sustainable practices.

Accompanying the exhibition is a comprehensive catalogue featuring documentation of Eliasson’s artworks, insightful essays, and curated programming, including curator tours and family-friendly activities. SAM also offers complimentary shuttle bus services for added convenience, ensuring accessibility for visitors to delve into Eliasson’s captivating world of art and ideas.

For more information on the exhibition, click here.