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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Monique Ross

‘I’m a prisoner of hope’: Olafur Eliasson on using art to bring us together to save the world

Artist Olafur Eliasson, in his studio in Berlin.
Artist Olafur Eliasson in his studio in Berlin: ‘It’s comforting to know people have the capacity to change how they see things.’ Photograph: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images

I gasp as it comes into view: an enormous sun looming above, its surface roiling with what looks like thousands of tiny atomic explosions. It seems to notice me as well: when I stop, it stops too. It’s both awe-inspiring and unnerving.

In the mirrors around the glowing orb, I spot Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson – globally renowned for large-scale installations that challenge your sense of perception – posing for selfies with the crowd.

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