Olafur Eliasson: Presence at GOMA

This extremely popular exhibition by Berlin-based Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson on at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), until 12 July 2026.

Globally renowned for installations that challenge how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, Eliasson’s work has included transporting melting Arctic ice that had broken away from glaciers to public spaces across European capitals and an all-encompassing ‘sun’ in the cavernous Turbine Hall at London’s Tate Modern.

Exclusive to Brisbane, ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’ occupies GOMA’s ground floor with major installations, sculptures, photo series, and more that invite visitors through shifting environments – from immersive works that play with light, colour and perception to a meticulously constructed riverbed. Words from www.qagoma.qld.gov.au.

What people are saying:

‘This is the best exhibition I’ve been to at GOMA or anywhere in the world. This is incredible for Brisbane to have. [It] really shifted something for me and made art exciting again.’

‘It exceeded my expectations and really pushed the boundary of what I thought contemporary art could be.’

‘Eliasson’s work often surrounds you, light, colour, mist, mirrors and movement that make you feel inside the artwork rather than observing from outside.’

Image caption:

Olafur Eliasson / Denmark b.1967 / Presence (detail) 2025 / Stainless steel, aluminium, monofrequency lights, printed textile wedges, aluminium perforated sheets, mirror foil, glass mirror, wood / Dimensions variable / Courtesy: The artist; neugerriemschneider, Berlin; and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York / © 2025 Olafur Eliasson / Photograph: Studio Olafur Eliasson.