Artist Eliasson Brings a Rainbow to the Zwinger

The Mathematical-Physical Salon at the Dresden Zwinger has added a new work by artist Olafur Eliasson to its collection. The Danish-Icelandic artist created the work “Euphoric Light for the Mathematical-Physical Salon” specifically for the salon, according to the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD). 

Now, Eliasson’s euphoric light shines in the form of a circular rainbow on one of the Salon’s walls. The light installation has a diameter of two meters and will now be on permanent display in the museum’s dark Globensaal.

Rainbows Are Circular

The rainbow is created by a full-spectrum LED, a mirror, and a prismatic glass ring that refracts the light into a rainbow. The artwork is analog and therefore easy to understand, Eliasson explained. “And I really like that,” the artist added about his work.

From a physical standpoint, rainbows are always complete circles, according to the museum. Eliasson thus makes visible what would otherwise remain hidden from us. 

In his work, Olafur Eliasson repeatedly explores physical phenomena—including light.

One of the world’s oldest collections of the history of science

The Mathematical-Physical Salon is one of the best-known collections of historical apparatus and instruments. It was founded in 1728, making it one of the world’s oldest collections of scientific history.