Olafur Eliasson –The Weather Project
Immediate Response:
After discovering Olafur Eliasson’s, The Weather Project, my first reaction reminded me of a sunset and the evening time when the sun usually goes down. The bright yellow circle representing a “sun” in the top of the picture and then the orange all around it makes it feel very “warm”. It affects me in a very calm and peaceful manner. My eyes immediately went to the sun in the middle and then slowly spread down the image to look at some of the wandering people who are laying down observing the scenery above them focusing all their attention on this sun.
Objective Description
This image consists of a bold yellow circle, representing a sun, in the top/center of the image. It is a very strong yellow and it almost illuminates the rest of the picture as the shadows and “fog” from it spread out. Behind it, is a white wall with different textures and shelving, and on the sides almost looks like bookshelves, however they are empty. As you wander towards the bottom, there are about twenty people scattered on the floor either lying or standing, facing the yellow sun, yet it remains indoors. The ceilings are very tall, as it seems to be in this open and spacious hall, intentionally for the purpose of this hanging/floating sun.
Technical Decisions
Eliasson constructed this piece with simple, yet very few, materials. There are really only a few objects involved in this piece, yet the combination of them together creates a tranquil tone for the viewer. The presentation and placement of the objects seems very particular, as the sun is drawn to grab the most attention, and the people below are all embracing their focus towards it. The composition seems very at rest and still, as there is no movement or chaos distracting the viewer. The orientation towards the viewer seems very direct as they are a part of the work giving them a calm and relaxed mindset.
The Work in the World
As taken away just by the title of his piece, The Weather Project depicts the vastness of the sun and the amount of power it can take over in this image itself, and also in the real world. It embraces the power of weather and how it unifies people. The intensity of this sun might make people feel overwhelmed and blinded as it holds that ability to be in control of the world. This image seeks to convey the power the sun holds and how in the real-world people are deeply interconnected with weather, global warming, and the power they have on us.
The Story it Tells
The message behind this project seems to be straightforward and simple depicting that; weather and the power weather has, interconnects and can take control over humans. The simplicity of the sun being the main and dominant factor in this image, with all the attention drawn to it, expands towards the real world and how it has a similar effect on people. Bringing awareness to this and even climate change, represented in Olafur’s other pieces of work, allows us to expand our knowledge and realize the impact of both weather and humans have on our society.