Innen Stadt Außen

More about the book

Olafur Eliasson’s urban projects often create a stir, whether he temporarily colors canal water green in Stockholm, generates a double sunset in Utrecht, or constructs waterfalls in New York. His art challenges viewers' perceptions of the urban landscape. Recently, numerous installations have appeared in Berlin, featuring enigmatic objects like mirrored bicycles, massive driftwood trunks, and an iced-glass pavilion, all part of the exhibition “Innen Stadt Außen.” This exhibition links various installations in Berlin’s urban space with works displayed inside the Martin-Gropius-Bau. Eliasson, who has lived and worked in Berlin since 1994, aims to heighten awareness of the environment through his art, incorporating natural phenomena such as light, water, reflections, time, and movement. He believes art should be accessible in public spaces, engaging people where they are rather than solely in museums. This publication analyzes Eliasson’s artistic practice and the interplay between urban space and museums. It features contributions from Daniel Birnbaum, Lorraine Daston, Regula Lüscher, and a dialogue between Mark Wigley, Eliasson, and Birnbaum. Designed by Heimann und Schwantes, the volume showcases the complete Gropius-Bau exhibition and the Berlin projects through over 200 color plates.