A noted member of the Social Practice movement, Olafur Eliasson injects his work with a universal conscience that catapults art outside of its normal confines and challenges the way we inhabit the world. With each endeavor, he asks people to fully embody their human experience by expanding their feelings of self into a connection with the broader public sphere. His art is derived through a sincere practice in which he collaborates with experts in various fields to create diverse pieces intended to propose critical interventions within existing social systems, an effort that is designed to inspire debate and fresh perceptions, or to catalyze change. Eliasson has become a progressive leader in the kind of creative thinking that provokes the way people perceive culture, community, and the natural environment around them. Although his career has reached iconic status, Eliasson’s core motivations set him apart from other superstars of the art world; whereas some artists of his stature are known for their superegos, altruism is the dominant trait in his reputation.
“Plastic Ocean is a project which I started to create awareness around pollution, to try and prevent (or at least reduce) the use of plastic. In making sculptures out of the objects I find, I try to evoke an emotional response from my audience by creating a contradiction. A clash between attraction and repulsion. Initially there’s an aesthetic appeal, but after a second look: the realisation of the immense tragedy caused by plastic waste. Our beaches are covered in plastic confetti and there really is nothing to celebrate.” — Thirza Schaap
