Shinan County, South Korea – Renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson has unveiled his latest monumental artwork, "Breathing Earth Sphere," on Docho Island in South Korea's Shinan County. This subterranean installation is part of a larger project aimed at revitalizing the region through art and tourism.

Known for his large-scale installations that explore themes of perception, movement, and the relationship between nature and humanity, Eliasson has created a unique and immersive experience within the 10-meter diameter sphere. Visitors descend into a darkened space and are enveloped by a mesmerizing play of light and color as sunlight filters through the ceiling and reflects off thousands of colored tiles.

A Connection to Nature

The tiles, made from lava stone, are arranged in a pattern that evokes the cellular structure of the earth and the crystalline formations found in soil. The color palette transitions from red at the bottom to green at the top, symbolizing the earth, soil, and plant life. Eliasson explained, "There are no corners in 'Breathing Earth Sphere,' no sense of horizon or limit. In fact, there are no walls, ceilings, or floors. Standing there, you may feel, simply, a sense of presence, here and now, within the sphere."   

A Sustainable Creation

The artist also emphasized his commitment to sustainability throughout the creation process. The lava stone tiles were sourced from Italy, and the entire project was designed to minimize its carbon footprint. Eliasson noted, "The Earth is billions of years old, and humans have only been around for a fraction of that time. We need to be mindful of our impact on the planet."

A Catalyst for Community Revitalization

The "Breathing Earth Sphere" is the first of many art installations planned for Shinan County as part of the "Shinan Art Island Project." The project aims to revitalize the region by attracting visitors and promoting cultural tourism. Shinan County, with its 1,004 islands, has been facing challenges due to depopulation, and the art project is seen as a way to breathe new life into the community.

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