In July, New York will get to see Olafur Eliasson’s waterfalls. Two are to be located in the East River and the continuously flowing water will be electrically powered with a fall of around 90 to 120 feet. What a spectacle. Eliasson is a new breed of artist who took off from the earth artists of the seventies and put an environmental twist to it. The East River falls will speak more about the regeneration of resources than about changing the look of a landscape. The connection between the earth artists and artists like Eliasson is surely James Turrell. Over the years he has created a series of magical skyscapes in museums across the world. I’m fortunate enough to have two of Turrell’s works in my New York apartment and it has soothed the wrinkles out of many a tension-filled day. I am a great believer in life following art, so watch out for more businesses delivering stunning environmental experiences as a way of creating emotional impact in the Attraction Economy.
