The Weather Project at the Tate Modern (1411)

The Tate Modern art gallery, on London’s Bankside, unveiled its latest commission for its huge Main Turbine Hall, on Thursday night. The Weather Project, by Olafur Eliasson, takes full advantage of the massive space, and is an interesting exploration on that most British of obsessions - the weather. I took a look last Friday evening.

On entering the hall you’ll immediately notice that it’s a lot mistier inside than outside! The hall appears to be bathed in a slightly eerie yellow glow, and pure silhouettes of people appear, fading into the distance. Further in, the monochromatic light coming from the “sun” (a giant lightbox) eliminates all colour, making the surroundings feel slightly ethereal and confusing. Many people are lying on the floor, under the glow, looking up. At the top of the “clouds” is a giant panel of mirrors, spanning the entire length the hall. It seems far away, but is close enough that you can clearly make out yourself, peering upwards.

It’s all very cool, very slick and definitely a piece of art, a visual sensation you play a part in just by being there. You don’t have to “interpret” it or think about it to enjoy it, but it’s definitely taking out a few minutes to, well, soak up the atmosphere.

[This is my "personal favourite" submission for Cream of the Crop.]