Designer Lauren Geremia on How Olafur Eliasson Inspires Her

I’m constantly inspired by the art and furniture I come across in my day-to-day work, but there are only a few artists who draw me back to their projects and values over and over again. Olafur Eliasson is one of them. His ethos is to make the world a better place, and to produce art that grapples with globalization and environmentalism. The pieces are stunning, but also have a layer focused on connecting people with the concept of a humanitarian future. His work reminds me to consider my ethics and serves as a lesson in tying together art, craft, cultural preservation, and the environment in my own projects. I am currently able to educate and effect subtle change in these areas, but my passion is to do bolder work on the edge of public art or private installation. Eliasson’s practice is a conduit for social change, and proves that through design we can do more than just make things look beautiful.

Last year, I was able to experience Eliasson’s Moving together at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery. The piece shifted with the viewer and inspired me to think beyond the confines of floor plans, and toward a deeper connection with the environment, light, and movement of space at every angle.

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