Olafur Eliasson

Part of a landmark series of five site-specific original works by artist Olafur Eliasson, commissioned by CIRCA, and presented in partnership with WeTransfer, November’s Midnight Moment is inspired by Times Square itself. 

In a blur of abstract shapes and dancing colors, Lifeworld is a floating carousel of lightforms that mimics the iconic cityscape of Times Square. To create the artwork, Eliasson filmed the district and its screens from a number of perspectives; then created a temporal and spatial blurring effect that is to soften and slow down the environment. The work mirrors Times Square in a completely new way, intended to spark the imagination of the public audiences on the plaza below, and offer a radically different perspective on the immediate environment. 

Lifeworld takes inspiration from the phenomenological notion that in an unmediated world, we inhabit and experience in common with others and nature. With this work, Eliasson suggests that by connecting to the lived here and now of experience, we may reconnect with one another, learn to live in uncertain times, and even to embrace the potential of a so-far shapeless future.

“Lifeworld explores how soft abstraction – images that are intentionally undefined and open to our personal interpretations – can reveal our place in the world in 2024. Times Square is an enormously impressive spectacle, lined with advertising screens that usually display crisp, sensational imagery,” Olafur Eliasson states. “It's a thrill; but the environment also determines my actions – driving me mostly to spend or to consume. Lifeworld shows the immediate site anew and its hazy qualities may prompt questions. If you are suddenly confronted with the reality of having a choice, you might ask what cities, lives and environments do we want to inhabit? And how do I want to take part in them?” 

Lifeworld is also concurrently appearing every evening at 20:24 local time from October 1 to December 31, 2024, on the CIRCA global platform across Piccadilly Lights in London, K-Pop Square in Seoul, and Limes Kurfürstendamm in Berlin. The commission will also take shape as a unique digital experience on WeTransfer's online public platform, where viewers from around the world can engage with the artwork 24/7 at WeTransfer.com. November’s Midnight Moment presentation marks the first work from Eliasson under his guest curatorship of WeTransfer, with CIRCA as exclusive Digital Screen Partner. 

Nov 1 – 30, 2024: Times Square, New York City | 11:57pm-12am  
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024: Picadilly Lights, London | 20:24
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024: Limes Kurfürstendamm, Berlin | 20:24
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024: K-Pop Square, Seoul | 20:24
Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024: Online at WeTransfer.com | 24/7

Artist Talk with Olafur Eliasson with Gloria Sutton
Friday November 1, 2024  | 8pm
Pioneer Works, 159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn, NY

RSVP ONLINE FOR THE ARTIST TALK

To mark the opening of the Times Square iteration of Olafur Eliasson’s latest public artwork Lifeworld, join the November Midnight Moment artist and art historian Gloria Sutton at Pioneer Works on Friday November 1 to ask the question, “​​Can Art Transform How We Experience Public Space?” Eliasson and Sutton will discuss how architecture and omnipresent digital technology affect the ways in which we perceive ourselves and interact with one another; and the relevance of abstraction to portray the complexities of our current moment and the state of public space in city centers.

About CIRCA
CIRCA is redefining the intersection of art, technology, and public engagement. By transforming iconic digital screens, such as London’s Piccadilly Lights, into platforms for contemporary ideas, we enable artists to reflect on the world "circa now" and connect with a diverse, worldwide audience. CIRCA commissions and presents thought-provoking works every evening at 20:24, 365 days a year, challenging conventional roles of art and fostering cultural dialogue. Our #CIRCAECONOMY model supports the creative ecosystem through accessible art sales, funding public initiatives, and empowering artists globally. CIRCA is committed to pushing beyond conventional boundaries, creating an evolving platform for cultural exchange and artistic freedom.

About WeTransfer and WePresent
WeTransfer is the simplest way to share ideas, collaborate with teams and earn money, all in one platform. By offering fast, easy and sustainable tools, we help tens of millions of creators, entrepreneurs and businesses globally to make an impact through creativity. WeTransfer is a long-time champion of using business as a force for good and a certified B Corporation™.

WeTransfer’s Academy Award-winning arts platform WePresent acts as the company’s cultural torchbearer to a monthly audience of 3 million in 190 countries. Collaborating with emerging young talent to renowned artists such as Marina Abramovic, Riz Ahmed, FKA twigs and Solange Knowles, WePresent showcases the best in art, photography, film, music, literature and more, championing diversity in everything it does. The platform’s commissions range from editorial features to films, photography series, events, installations and social media activations, with an aim to offer a fresh take on the magic and mystery of creative ideas.

Support for Lifeworld is also provided by the Danish Arts Foundation. Support for Midnight Moment is provided in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and the Times Square Advertising Coalition, with additional in-kind support from the Times Square Edition Hotel.

Midnight Moment is made possible by the Times Square Advertising Coalition, ABC SuperSign, American Eagle, Big Outdoor, Branded Cities, Clear Channel, Coca-Cola, Diversified, Express, Heritage Outdoor Media, Levi's, LG, Line Friends, McDonald's, Microsoft, Midtown Financial, Morgan Stanley, New Tradition, Outfront, Paramount, Prudential, Sensory Interactive, Sephora, Sherwood Equities, Show + Tell, Silvercast, Swatch, TSX, and T-Mobile.