Olafur Eliasson’s “Open” at MOCA lights up Los Angeles

While artists often hope to control the way their work is received, a survey of mostly new work by Olafur Eliasson takes a different stance in the title: “Open.” His exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, which he has been preparing for many years, includes 11 new pieces that invite unprejudiced participation. Simply enter the spacious, darkened galleries and immerse yourself in the effect of the light, which is transformed into a pure experience by prisms, mirrors or LEDs. “Open” is also the title of a giant rainbow that shines on a wall and is created by a round prism milled by the artist. “A rainbow is actually a circle that appears like an arc only because of the horizon line.” “In this case, it is the floor of the gallery that prevents the rainbow from forming a full circle,” he explains.

(Image credit: Olafur Eliasson)

Some of his new light sculptures are housed in hollow towers up to 40 feet tall and are crudely constructed from materials left over from a previous exhibition. Attached to the building’s existing skylights, they act as kaleidoscopes, providing beautiful warnings about the earth’s fragility. A piece entitled “Observatory for Observing the Future of the Atmosphere” presents the illusion of a sphere, a floating planet whose hues change depending on the weather and time of day.

The sculpture entitled “Viewing Machine for Imagining Oceanic Futures” surprises with the view of the sky flooded with water. “I have a wave machine on the roof of the building so it’s like we’re underwater,” he explains.

(Image credit: Olafur Eliasson)

The Berlin-based Icelandic/Danish Eliasson gained early fame for his “Weather Project” in 2003 at the Tate Turbine Hall. Since then, he has become increasingly rigorous in his sustainability efforts in an art world known for extravagant waste. He praises MOCA director Johanna Burton for being unusually sensitive to the environmental impact of exhibition design. “This is the first museum we’ve worked with that met our standards. “That’s kind of open, too.”

He explains the capitalized title of the show: OPEN. “Some museums seem elitist and inaccessible.” Being open means being hospitable. It’s about stimulating your interest in listening. The polarization was normalized. I claim that I have the freedom not to polarize, right? The potential for courage lies in our vulnerability. What was the bravest thing you did? It’s asking for help.’

(Image credit: Olafur Eliasson)

“Have the courage to weaken your own defenses.” The openness that we carry within us is hidden behind armor, a social mask. I think generally people are good. But if we don’t leave room for it to thrive, it will be difficult to cultivate.”