The uncertain museum is a large-scale interactive installation that explores the relationship between spectator and object. By introducing heightened 'natural' phenomena, such as intense light and reflection into a setting, the artist encourages the viewer to reflect upon an understanding of the surrounding physical world. This work was the first by artist to enter the museum's collection.
The Nasher Museum brings back a popular work, The uncertain museum, which was the first by this important European artist to enter the museum’s collection. The large-scale interactive installation, like many of Eliasson’s signature works, explores the relationship between spectator and object. Visitors step inside The uncertain museum and see themselves reflected on the mirrored surface of three large glass discs. They become a part of the patterns of projected light and shadow that can be seen from both inside and outside of the space. Eliasson has described this moment of perception, when the viewer pauses to consider the experience, as “seeing yourself sensing.” By introducing heightened ‘natural’ phenomena, such as intense light and reflection into a setting, the artist encourages the viewer to reflect upon an understanding of the surrounding physical world. Eliasson lives and works in Berlin.
The purchase of the work was made possible by funds given by Blake Byrne, T’57, Monica M. and Richard D. Segal, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tomilson Hill, and William and Ruth True.
IMAGE: Olafur Eliasson, The uncertain museum, 2004. Steel, painted wooden floor, wire, motors, glass/mirror disks, spotlight, projection foil, 9 feet, 8 inches high x 14 feet, 7 inches diameter. Purchase, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University Fund for Acquisitions and funds provided by Blake Byrne, T'57, Monica M. and Richard D. Segal, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tomilson Hill, and Bill and Ruth True. 2006.4.1
For more information about the Nasher Museum of Art, members of the media should contact Wendy Hower Livingston, manager of marketing and communications, at (919) 684-3314, or wendy.hower@duke.edu.
Opening: Thu Jul 19, 2012 10am
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
2001 Campus Drive, Durham, NC, 27705
Museum Hours
Monday - closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Thursday - 10 AM to 9 PM (Free to all on Thursday, 5 to 9 PM)
Sunday - Noon to 5 PM
Admission
$5 Adults
$4 Seniors
FREE Nasher members
FREE Children 15 and under
FREE Duke students, faculty and staff with Duke I.D.
FREE Duke Alumni Assoc. Members with Alumni Membership Card
FREE on Thursday, 5-9 PM
Free admission does not include special ticketed exhibitions, such as the upcoming Collecting Matisse and Modern Masters: The Cone Sisters of Baltimore.