Cloud Installation Art by Berndnaut Smilde

Amsterdam artist Berndnaut Smilde combines a love for architecture, installation art and photography in this series of stunning images entitled “Nimbus”, where he orchestrates the creation of clouds in interior spaces, using smoke and water vapor. From opulent halls to industrial spaces, the effect is no less surreal - it creates an interesting juxtaposition of dualities, interior vs exterior with a desire to touch the clouds. These atmospheric works of art are highly ephemeral, lasting only a few moments which Berndnaut captures with a high speed camera.

In regards to his unconventional choice of medium, Berndnaut had this to say in his interview with Port Magazine:

“In an age where fine art is traded like a luxury good, perhaps the most radical work an artist can make is something that is ephemeral – and there is nothing so transitory as the gathering of a few particles of moisture in the form of a cloud. The ‘Nimbus’ works can be interpreted as a sign of loss or becoming, or just as a fragment from a classical painting. People have always had a strong metaphysical connection to clouds and through time have created myths and meanings around them. I like the temporary aspect of the work. It’s there for a few seconds before it falls apart again. The work is really about the idea of a cloud inside a space and what people project on it.”

All images courtesy of Berndnaut Smilde. See more on his website or follow his work on Twitter.