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Ólafur Elíasson Most Popular Paintings

The 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 9 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Ólafur Elíasson · born 1967

The presence of absence pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai · original 200 x 100 cm

Explore Olafur Eliasson’s ‘The Presence of Absence Pavilion,’ a striking bronze sculpture blending architecture & nature. A contemplative piece showcasing light, shadow & form – perfect for art enthusiasts.

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #1: The presence of absence pavilion

Art Movement: Contemporary

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The presence of absence pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai · original 200 x 100 cm

This striking bronze sculpture by Olafur Eliasson, titled 'The Presence of Absence Pavilion,' combines architecture and nature. Measuring 200 x 100 cm, it features a hole allowing light to pass through, creating depth and dimension.

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #2: The presence of absence pavilion

Art Movement: Contemporary Minimalism

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Compassion Sphere (2011)

2011 · UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing · original 175 x 168 cm

This reflective 2011 installation by Ólafur Elíasson features striking metallic spheres. Explore this immersive masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #3: Compassion Sphere

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17826 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1031168 × 175 cm Commission at original size

Sun has no money

Fondazione per l'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea CRT, Turin

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Wirbelwerk (2013) by Ólafur Elíasson

2013 · Lenbachhaus, Munich · original 811 x 813 cm

Experience 'Wirbelwerk' by Olafur Eliasson – an immersive installation of swirling glass and light that transforms spaces with dynamic patterns and captivating illusions.

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #5: Wirbelwerk

Art Movement: Contemporary Installation
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Whenever the Rainbow Appears

2010 · Israel Museum, Jerusalem · original 230.0 x 1336.0cm

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Flower observatory, Ólafur Elíasson

The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #7: Flower observatory

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Colour motoric entrance (2004) by Ólafur Elíasson

2004 · Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #8: Colour motoric entrance

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17827 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

The hinged view (2017)

2017 · New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans

View the most popular artwork of Ólafur Elíasson ranked #9: The hinged view

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 9 artworks by Ólafur Elíasson
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Ólafur Elíasson

born 1967

Quick facts

Also known asأولافور إلياسون, オラファー・エリアソン, ოლაფურ ელიასონი, 올라퍼 엘리아슨, Оулавюр Элиассон
Color intensitymonochromatic, balanced
Museums on APSThe Baltimore Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Israel Museum, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Lenbachhaus
Born1967, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Top 3 worksThe presence of absence pavilion, Compassion Sphere

Biography

Ólafur Elíasson: A Biography

Early Life and Education

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1967 to Icelandic parents, Elías Hjörleifsson and Ingibjörg Olafsdottir.
Spent formative years navigating dual cultural identities – Danish and Icelandic.
Showed early artistic promise with his first solo exhibition at age 15.
Studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts from 1989 to 1995, a period crucial for developing his conceptual approach.

Artistic Development and Influences

Elíasson’s work evolved from early landscape drawings to large-scale installations exploring perception, light, and natural phenomena.
Influenced by phenomenology and Gestalt psychology, focusing on how viewers experience space and reality.
Collaboration with architect Einar Thorsteinn significantly impacted his geometric works and spatial designs.
Inspired by artists like Robert Irwin and James Turrell who also manipulate perception through light and space.

Key Themes and Artistic Style

Central themes include the relationship between humans and nature, artificial versus natural environments, and the subjective experience of reality.
His style is characterized by large-scale installations that often incorporate elemental materials like light, water, air temperature, and mirrors.
Immersive experiences are a hallmark of his work, inviting viewers to actively participate in and question their surroundings.
Frequently blends art with scientific inquiry, exploring concepts from physics, optics, and meteorology.

Major Achievements and Notable Works

Represented Denmark at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003, gaining international recognition.
“The Weather Project” (2003) at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall – a monumental installation creating an artificial sun and sky, becoming one of his most iconic works.
Designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in 2007, showcasing innovative architectural design.
Created “New York City Waterfalls” (2008), transforming Manhattan’s waterfront with cascading waterfalls.
Co-founded Studio Other Spaces with Sebastian Behmann, expanding his practice into architecture and urban interventions.
Designed the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland – a stunning architectural landmark.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Elíasson is considered one of the most influential contemporary artists working today.
His work challenges traditional notions of art by blurring boundaries between disciplines—art, science, architecture, and environmentalism.
He has sparked important conversations about climate change, sustainability, and our relationship with the natural world.
Continues to push the boundaries of artistic practice through innovative installations, architectural projects, and public interventions.
Currently a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts, nurturing future generations of artists and thinkers.

Questions & Answers

Can I browse Ólafur Elíasson's works by movement?

Ólafur Elíasson's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

Where is Ólafur Elíasson from?

Ólafur Elíasson was born in Denmark.

Is there a timeline of Ólafur Elíasson's works?

Ólafur Elíasson's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Ólafur Elíasson's artistic practice is notably characterized by its use of what elemental materials?
Elíasson represented which country at the Venice Biennale?
What is a significant aspect of Elíasson's studio practice, beyond artistic creation?
The 'Weather Project' (2003) was installed in which prominent art institution?
Elíasson's work often aims to challenge our relationship with what?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by Ólafur Elíasson