Olafur Eliasson: Little Sun

In recent years Olafur Eliasson has shown a great interest in exploring the application of light in contemporary art. A good example of such interest is evidenced in Little Sun, a new exhibition by the Danish artist that will remain open to the public until September 23 at the famous and experimental Tate Modern's Turbine Hall.

With Little Sun, Eliasson introduces darkness in this space so the public can contemplate art—surrealist works selected from the archives of Tate—only with the illumination that emanates from a solar lamp. The project is exhibited every Saturday night for two hours until the exhibition comes to an end.

It is not the first time that Eliasson works with light and with the sun at the Tate Modern. Nine years ago he illuminated the Turbine Hall with an astonishing artificial sun. On this occasion, for Little Sun, the artist known for his monumental installations has designed, alongside engineer Frederik Ottesen, a group of small yellow lamps shaped like the sun that are capable of producing five hours of light.

According to his proposal, solar light is capable of improving the lives of the people living in underdeveloped countries. For their part, organizers at the Tate Modern have decided to expand the gallery space to a third floor where the public will be able to learn about solar energy, light, and its impact in everyday life.