Fujiko Nakaya's fog sculpture fills the air around Tate Modern

London Fog, by Fujiko Nakaya, 2017, on the South Terrace of Tate Modern's Switch House.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tate)

last updated 18 October 2022

Something has been brewing outside the Switch House. From our perch at Wallpaper* HQ – located directly opposite Tate Modern – we've seen a flurry of activity on the South Terrace. Early this week, somewhat disconcertingly, great clouds of white smoke began billowing from the curved parameter walls, punctuated by a series of alien white lights.

It turns out, it wasn't the landing of some extra-terrestrial space ship. Technical staff were testing a major new installation from 83-year-old Japanese fog-sculptor Fujiko Nakaya, which launches officially today. Nakaya, who first came to prominence through her collaboration with Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT) in 1970, has been working with water vapour for over 40 years. Her misty moments have adorned bridges in Bristol, the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao and Philip Johnson's Glass House (opens in new tab). This particular amorphous work acts as a barometer, reading shifts in atmospheric conditions – sometimes producing a faint mist, other times rocketing out great puffs of smoke. Of the work, Nakaya says: 'Nature controls herself. I try and let nature speak.'

*Isabel Lewis' botanical installation in the Tanks Foyer.*

Like all great fogs, Nakaya's work is concealing something. Underneath, in the Switch House Tanks, performative works are already installed. Hosted by artist in residence Isabel Lewis, the curated programme of live events – dubbed 'Ten Days Six Nights' – begins today. Lewis has transformed the usually stark Tanks Foyer into a kind of Brutalist botanical garden; a serene surrounding in which Lewis will welcome visitors, microphone in hand, while conceptual dancers perform around her.

colourful disco lights — *'Echoes (Oracle Version)', by Lorenzo Senni, 2017.*

At this point, performance art naysayers might head to the bar (or out onto the terrace to be consumed by the fog). But the programme of events is so diverse, there's bound to be something for everyone. Spread among the atmospheric South Tank, East Tank and Transformer Galleries, artists range in age (from 32 to 83), nationality (from Japan to the Dominican Republic) and work in every conceivable media. Even the most miserable skeptics will raise an eyebrow to Lorenzo Senni's funky neon trance installation.

It's a wide reaching project, in line with the institution's ambitious itinerary of 'Tate Live' events, which began in 2012. But, says director of exhibitions Achim Borchardt-Hume, it's essential to an institution's programming to feature live art. It's what the public want. 'In our connected, digital age, artists and audiences are ever more fascinated by live experiences, shared in the moment with those around them.' With this in mind, to fully appreciate 'Tate Live' events, we suggest you throw caution to the mist, and join in.

fog — *London Fog*, by Fujiko Nakaya, 2017

black cushions on floor — *CCTV Social: Capital Circus,* by CAMP, 2008

hanging plants — Isabel Lewis' botanical installatoion in the East Tank

INFORMATION

'Ten Days Six Nights' is on view until 2 April. For more information, visit the Tate Modern website (opens in new tab)

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Tate Modern
Bankside
SE1 9TG

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Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.