World gazing, Sunset kaleidoscope (2005)

Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Sunset kaleidoscope’ (2005) provides a different perspective of Circular Quay

Is there a difference between a kaleidoscope and a telescope? Or are the two inversions of the same thing – viewing devices that help you see… One sets out to represent the immediate world, as seen through mirrored-glass and transparent colour-objects, while the other brings the far-away closer, using a powerful optical device.

Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Sunset kaleidoscope’ (2005) falls on the former of these two sides. When properly installed, its protruding rectangular structure penetrates the skin of the museum, creating a connection between the inside and the outside.

Olafur Eliasson Sunset kaleidoscope 2005 wood, color-effect filter glass, mirrors, and motor installation view at Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2009 Collection of John and Phyllis Kleinberg © 2009 Olafur Eliasson

For its Sydney presentation a view of Jørn Utzon’s famous Opera House, the Circular Quay Esplanade and the infamous ‘Toaster’ are infinitely fractured and neatly put back together again. What you see is a perspective of the world remade anew. Traditionally, our curiosity about the universe looks to stargazing telescopes for inspiration and information. In ‘Sunset kaleidoscope’ (2005) this same curiosity is simply brought closer to home.