Thames & Hudson Studio Olafur Eliasson: Unspoken Spaces

Unspoken Spaces, published by Thames & Hudson, is the first work extensively covering the works of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. The richly illustrated book offers a versatile look into Eliasson’s art ranging from his famed gigantic installations to smaller-scale art experiments. The contexts for the works are provided by experts from several fields who consider them from the point of view of history, science or philosophy, for example, and by Olafur Eliasson himself.

Unspoken Spaces explores Olafur Eliasson’s driving interest in finding visionary shapes to represent abstract ideas. It is a richly illustrated journey through spheres, tunnels, towers, walkways and archways, as well as pavilions and larger buildings realized by Eliasson and his studio since the late 1990s. Binding the spiraling dynamic of these works are essays by renowned writers across a variety of fields – from geologists and historians of art and science to architects, artists and philosophers.

The works range from small-scale experiments to large-scale projects in the public realm, among them striking buildings such as The Serpentine Galleries Pavilion 2007 in London (with Kjetil Thorsen), Your rainbow panorama (2006–2011) in Aarhus, Denmark, or the crystalline façade for Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center (2005–11) in Reykjavik. Each work is presented through in-depth project descriptions accompanied by Eliasson’s own words. Produced in close collaboration with the artist and his studio, this elaborate volume will appeal to art lovers, designers, students and collectors alike.