Sunday 14 March 2004

Weather Revisited





We went to the Tate to see the Brancusi (I didn't realise it was going to cost my companion £8 to get in, so in the end we didn't - I can come again on my own and go in for free as a member), as we came in we also stole another look at Olafur Eliasson's Weather Project.

It was interesting seeing it again after so many months (first seen in October, see review here). Its been all over the blogosphere and the press. There were some notable differences. Firstly the lack of steam, presumably in response to the adverse affect it was having on the wellbeing of the gallery staff, when we first saw it the whole room was filled with a haze that blended and mystified the whole experience - it was hard to see through and make out what was actually happening, things seemed weirder and eerier that way. The lack of steam meant that some flaws showed up much more clearly - including the join where the half sun met the mirror, now dirty with the failing fluorescent bulbs or accumulated dust and muck, the mirrored ceiling was showing quite defined joins where before it seemed flat and as one. It still provoked the same response from viewers - staring for ages off the balcony or lying like sunbathers on the concrete floor and performing synchronised swimming in the mirrors above only now with added displacement.

Despite the visible flaws it remains an awe inspiring and funny exhibition. You have until 21 March to catch it if you can or haven't already.

Tate Modern Weather Project

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