olafur eliasson's 'breathing earth sphere' in south korea comprises 1,200 lava tiles

Shinan Art Island Project and olafur Eliasson’s Vision

Olafur Eliasson’s newly unveiled Breathing Earth Sphere in South Korea’s Docho Hydrangea Garden stands as a vibrant integration of art, nature, and material innovation. Part of the Shinan Art Island Project, the work transforms the volcanic landscape of Docho Island into an immersive artistic experience. This initiative, organized by Shinan County, highlights the natural beauty of the area, which includes the UNESCO-designated Shinan Tidal Flats. Eliasson’s installation marks the first project within the larger effort to connect the region’s islands through public art.

The Shinan Art Island Project celebrates South Korea’s largest archipelago, which encompasses 1,004 islands. Each participating island is set to feature a unique artistic or cultural project, and Eliasson’s Breathing Earth Sphere sets the tone for the initiative. Known for blending natural phenomena with human sensory perception, Eliasson has designed the Breathing Earth Sphere to reflect Docho Island’s unique volcanic history and lush surroundings.

installation view, Docho Island, South Jeolla, South Korea, 2024 | image © Kyungsub Shin

Ranieri’s Role in Shaping the breathing earth Sphere

Olafur Eliasson’s Breathing Earth Sphere installation begins with a peaceful approach, as a tree-lined path leads to a solitary South Korea-native hackberry tree and a bench for reflection. From there, visitors descend into a subterranean spherical space that invites meditation and sensory engagement. The interior design shifts from earthy red hues to verdant greens, mirroring the natural progression from soil to plant life.

Central to the project’s success is Ranieri, a leading innovator in the use of volcanic rock for art and design. The Italian company supplied 1,200 bespoke lava tiles in twenty-four individual colors, crafted to line the spherical space. Ranieri’s artisans worked closely with Eliasson’s team to achieve precision in fitting the tiles across the curved surfaces of the sphere, overcoming technical challenges that pushed the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.

installation view, Docho Island, South Jeolla, South Korea, 2024 | image © Kyungsub Shin

volcanic rock references the site’s geology

The lava stone tiles form intricate polyhedral patterns designed by Olafur Eliasson to interact with the viewer’s movement, creating a dynamic visual and tactile experience in South Korea’s gardens. Ranieri CEO Giovanni Ranieri highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating: ‘This project challenged us to transform an ancient material into a contemporary medium, while honoring Docho Island’s volcanic history and inspiring reflection on art and nature.’

The use of volcanic rock is integral to the work’s conceptual and physical foundation. The material connects the installation to the island’s geological origins while reinforcing Eliasson’s exploration of how natural resources shape human perception. The design eliminates traditional spatial boundaries — there are no walls, ceilings, or floors within the sphere. Visitors instead experience an uninterrupted sense of presence, enhanced by the transitions in color and the interplay of light on the tiles.

Eliasson describes the experience as one of grounding and transformation: ‘Standing there, you may feel, simply, a sense of presence, here and now, within the sphere. The tiles, transitioning from red to green, relate intuitively to the earth and its life-giving nutrients.’