Eliasson’s art makes the invisible elements of our surroundings tangible, whether it’s the air around us in Endlessly happy invisible endings, 2023, the transformative potential of colour in Yellow corridor, 1997, or the magnetic field wrapping a globe in Adrift compass, 2019.
The exhibition also offers insights into the logistical journey of Eliasson’s artworks, featuring drawings made in the crates used for their transport, underscoring the environmental considerations behind their creation.
Eliasson describes the exhibition as a collection of diverse artworks that invite visitors to embark on their own journeys.
“What fascinates me is how the different ways we observe natural phenomena can connect us, not just to each other, but also to the larger world around us. That’s something I try to work with in my art: experiences that welcome everyone.”
As part of the exhibition, there will be a special commissioned piece Under the weather, 2022 installed in the Gallery’s Te Atea | North Atrium. Suspended from the Gallery ceiling, this 11-metre elliptical disc flickers and changes as you move around the space. The moiré pattern created by overlapping grids invites reflection on perception and movement, altering your perception of the surrounding architecture.
Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey has been developed in collaboration with Studio Olafur Eliasson, Singapore Art Museum, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Yayasan Museum MACAN, and Museum of Contemporary Art and Design DLS-CSB / MCAD.
The exhibition is presented in association with Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2025, and proudly supported by Auckland Art Gallery Foundation, Auckland Contemporary Art Trust, Contemporary Benefactors, Omnigraphics and Mediaworks.
We have four double passes to give away to the exhibition. To enter, email partnerships@nzgeographic.co.nz with the subject line ‘Your curious journey’ and we’ll draw the winners at random. Entries close on Friday 28th February.
Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey highlights over 30 years of world-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson’s creative work. Featuring installations, sculptures and photographs that explore themes of human perception, experimentation, and environmental awareness, it marks the first solo showcase of the Icelandic-Danish artist in Aotearoa New Zealand – and we’ve got four double passes to give away to New Zealand Geographic readers. (more…)
Issue 198
Mar - Apr 2026
Black-Backed Gulls
Meth & HIV in Fiji
Dung beetles
Centro
Rogaining
