Holler Carsten

Carsten Höller was born in 1961 in Brussels to German parents. Before making a name for himself in the art world, Höller pursued a scientific path. He studied olfactory communication in insects at the University of Kiel, where he earned a doctorate in agricultural science in 1988. His early career was marked by his work as a research entomologist, which laid the groundwork for his unique blend of science and art.

Höller’s transition to full-time art-making happened in 1993. He emerged alongside artists like Pierre Huyghe, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Andrea Zittel, who were experimenting with space and experience. Höller is often associated with relational aesthetics, a term coined by curator Nicolas Bourriaud in 1996, referring to art that focuses on human exchange and social contexts.

Carsten Höller is renowned for applying scientific curiosity to his art, exploring themes of human behavior, perception, and altered states of consciousness. His work often incorporates playful yet disorienting experiences that challenge viewers to question their perceptions of reality.

Notable Works

• Flugmaschine (Flying Machine) (1996): This interactive piece involved a motorized steel armature that allowed participants to be hoisted through the air, creating an intense, immersive experience.
• Giant Psycho Tank (1999): A sensory-deprivation chamber, this installation facilitated a sensation of being bodiless, prompting introspection and self-awareness.
• Tubular Slides: Initiated in 1998 at the Berlin Biennale, Höller’s giant slides have become one of his signature works. They transform users’ interactions with buildings, imposing a temporary loss of control and inducing an emotional state described by Höller as “somewhere between delight and madness.” Notable installations include a slide in designer Miuccia Prada’s Milan office in 2000 and the Test Site, a set of five slides at the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London in 2006.

Höller’s artistic philosophy revolves around creating a “laboratory of doubt.” His works often involve interactive and participatory elements that evoke questions about perception and understanding. By utilizing scientific principles within his art, Höller bridges the gap between experimentation and viewer experience, urging audiences to explore the boundaries of their consciousness.

Carsten Höller’s work continues to challenge and inspire, bridging art and science to explore the human condition. Through his thought-provoking installations, he has firmly established himself as a leading figure in contemporary art, inviting viewers to engage with his art on both a personal and intellectual level.