Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde has captivated the world with his unique ability to conjure ethereal clouds indoors, transforming ordinary spaces into scenes of fleeting beauty. His ongoing project, “Nimbus,” explores the visual and emotional impact of clouds in locations where nature would never place them. From grand museums to austere hotel chapels, Smilde’s work lasts just long enough to be captured in a photograph before disappearing forever.
Smilde’s creations are not just artistic marvels; they are feats of precise science. To create these ephemeral sculptures, he uses a combination of smoke and water vapor. The process requires a cold, damp space with no air circulation. Smilde mists the area with a spray bottle to introduce water vapor, then activates fog machines to release tiny particles. The vapor condenses around these particles, forming a cloud. He meticulously shapes it to about ten feet across and six feet tall before a photographer captures the moment. This delicate process is repeated until he is satisfied with the result.
“I see them as temporary sculptures of almost nothing—the edge of materiality,” Smilde explains. “It looks like you can dive into them or grab them, but they just fall apart. There’s a duality that I really like where you’re trying to achieve this ideal thing that then collapses just moments later.”
Photograph By Michael Holly (Source nationalgeographic)
PHOTOGRAPH BY CASSANDER EEFTINCK SCHATTENKERK (Source nationalgeographic)
PHOTOGRAPH BY CASSANDER EEFTINCK SCHATTENKERK (Source nationalgeographic)
Each of Smilde’s clouds is a temporary sculpture, existing only for about ten seconds. During this brief period, photographers like Cassander Eeftinck Schattenkerk capture the clouds in stunning detail. Smilde prefers to work with photographers skilled in architectural photography to highlight the contrast between the soft, fluffy clouds and the sharp, often ornate backgrounds. This collaboration ensures that every element, from wood and metal to intricate tiles, is in sharp focus, enhancing the overall visual impact.
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“Clouds are quite universal,” he says. “Everyone can relate to them, but by putting them indoors you kind of change the context. It can become strange or even threatening. They can stand in for the divine, but also for misfortune.”
Smilde’s clouds have graced a variety of indoor settings. At the De Groen Fine Art Collection in Arnhem, a sky-grazing cloud created a surreal juxtaposition against the gallery’s interior. In the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center’s Green Room, a cloud added an unexpected element of whimsy to the ornate setting. Other notable locations include the Visual Arts Center in Carlow, Ireland, and the Hotel Maria Kapel in Hoorn, the Netherlands.
PHOTOGRAPH BY CASSANDER EEFTINCK SCHATTENKERK (Source nationalgeographic)
For Smilde, the transient nature of his clouds is a central theme. He describes his creations as “temporary sculptures of almost nothing—the edge of materiality.” This duality—creating something that appears solid yet dissipates almost immediately—adds a layer of profundity to his work. The fleeting existence of the clouds invites viewers to reflect on the impermanence of beauty and the inevitability of change.
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Creating a perfect cloud can take Smilde several days of experimentation. He adjusts the room’s temperature and lighting, tests different setups, and makes numerous clouds to achieve the desired effect. Each cloud is unique, and the process is as much about discovery as it is about creation. Smilde’s dedication to his craft ensures that each installation is not just a visual spectacle but also a thoughtful exploration of space and form.
Smilde’s work transcends mere visual art, prompting viewers to reconsider their surroundings and the nature of art itself. His clouds alter the perception of the spaces they inhabit, leaving a lasting impression even after they have vanished. As Smilde puts it, “I often wonder if a cloud would be able to change a space or the way we look at it after it is gone.” His installations remind us that moments of beauty can be fleeting, yet their impact can linger long after.
Despite numerous invitations to create clouds on command, Smilde remains selective about his projects. He seeks settings that offer something fresh and meaningful, avoiding commercial gigs that might trivialize his work. His aspirations include creating clouds in iconic spaces like the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern, where the vastness would offer new challenges and possibilities.
