by Barb Renfro
Introduction
You arrive early for a performance at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. You stroll around and walk over a short bridge, as well as through an archway of criss-crossing, interlaced stainless steel rods. Maybe you don’t even realize this is an art installation—you just want to walk and sit, in anticipation of Leon Botstein’s conducting.
Is it spring? Winter? Does the season matter? Are there koi in the water?
The Parliament of Reality
This permanent art installation created by Olafur Eliasson was commissioned by Bard’s Center for Curatorial Studies in 2006, and was completed and dedicated in 2009. It was inspired by the Icelandic Parliament, the Althing (“a space for all things”), which is the oldest national democratic institution in the world. Eliasson hoped it would be “a place for students and visitors to discuss ideas, relax, or have an argument.”
The walkway, stones, arched tunnel, trees, and body of water are all part of the installation. The incised blue stone you’ll notice under your feet once you cross over the bridge conjures up the 12-point wind rose of antiquity. (Ancient wind roses supposedly had 12 points of orientation, like points on a compass.) This island, which is made of bluestone and rests on a concrete foundation, is round like a compass, and may also suggest sitting in the round. Think “navigation of ideas.” An outdoor forum? Olafur Eliasson is intentional, hoping (as is Bard) that this is a positive, immersive experience, a place to come together.
The Artist and His Work
Eliasson was born 1967 in Denmark and spent much of his childhood in Iceland. His studio is based in Berlin where he often collaborates with architects as well as engineers to get the geometry and the space of his installations just right.
In 2008, Eliasson created The New York City Waterfalls in NY harbor. This installation ran for several months. Click this link to watch a video about the installation.
Eliasson also represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale/2003.
You may want to check out his 2008 essay The Procoknow Parliament, which can be found on his website.
Visiting the Installation
Next time you find yourself at The Parliament of Reality, think about meridian lines and navigational charts, but also sit down, kick back, and revel in the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. Engage in debates and really listen to others’ opinions and ideas, even when they might be contrary to your own.
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