Daniël Roosegaarde's most famous painting is Smog Free Project, in the Gwangju Design Biennale, Gwangju. Our catalogue lists 2 works by Daniël Roosegaarde; the 2 below are the ones the world looks at most, each with its year, the museum that holds it and why it matters.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated November 2026.
More than 80% of people in urban areas are exposed to air quality levels that exceed the World Health Organization limits. As Korea is also suffering from severe fine dust nowadays, “Smog Free Project” is welcomed as a local solution and inspiration for a smog free environment. Daan Roosegaarde and his team of experts have created the world’s largest smog vacuum cleaner. Smog Free Tower uses patented ion technology to…
The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Daniël Roosegaarde | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Gwangju Design Biennale |
Gwangju | 2 | Smog Free Project, Lotus Dome |
Smog Free Project.
Our catalogue lists 2 works by Daniël Roosegaarde.
Most of them are in Gwangju Design Biennale (Gwangju). The table above lists the museums one by one.
Smog Free Project and Lotus Dome are among the 2 works on this page held by the Gwangju Design Biennale, Gwangju.
Daan Roosegaarde, born in Nieuwkoop, Netherlands, in 1979, is not simply an artist; he’s a pioneer forging a new path where art, technology, and social responsibility converge. His work transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic expression, becoming immersive experiences that provoke thought, inspire action, and redefine our relationship with the environment. Roosegaarde's journey began with a formal education at the Institute for the Arts in Arnhem, followed by studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Enschede and the Berlage Institute in Rotterdam – institutions that laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary approach.
Early explorations like 4D-PIXEL, a “smart wall” reacting to sound and movement, signaled Roosegaarde’s fascination with interactivity. This early work, developed collaboratively at AKI Enschede, demonstrated his ability to blend technology seamlessly into artistic form. However, it was the founding of Studio Roosegaarde in 2007 that truly allowed him to realize his ambitious vision. The studio quickly became known as a “social design lab,” dedicated to creating projects that address pressing contemporary issues – clean air, water, energy, and space – using light as its primary language. Roosegaarde doesn’t see himself confined by the label of ‘artist’; he is a designer, an innovator, a storyteller who uses his platform to initiate dialogue and drive change.
Central to Roosegaarde's philosophy is the Dutch concept of Schoonheid – a word encompassing both “beauty” in its creative sense and “cleanliness,” referring to environmental purity. This duality informs every aspect of his work, from the aesthetically striking forms of his installations to their underlying commitment to sustainability. He believes that inspiring curiosity for a better world is paramount; people are less likely to be swayed by statistics than they are by experiences that ignite their imagination. This belief manifests in projects like the groundbreaking Smog Free Project, which doesn’t merely highlight air pollution but actively combats it, transforming captured smog particles into beautiful jewelry – a tangible symbol of transformation and hope. Other notable works such as Waterlicht, a virtual flood that evokes awareness about rising sea levels, and the VAN GOGH PATH, a glowing bicycle path powered by sustainable energy, further exemplify this commitment.
Roosegaarde’s impact extends far beyond the Netherlands. His projects have been exhibited internationally at prestigious institutions like the Design Museum London, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and Tate Modern, captivating audiences worldwide. He has received numerous accolades, including the Dutch Design Award and the World Technology Award, solidifying his position as a leading figure in contemporary art and design. Beyond exhibitions and awards, Roosegaarde actively shares his vision on global platforms, serving as a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a professor at Tongji University in Shanghai, and even collaborating with NASA’s Innovation team. His TED Talks have reached millions, inspiring a new generation of artists and designers to embrace social responsibility and explore the potential of technology for positive change.
Roosegaarde doesn't aspire to create utopia; instead, he champions protopia – a philosophy focused on incremental improvements. He believes in making tangible progress, step by step, towards a more sustainable and equitable future. His work is not about grand pronouncements but about sparking conversations, fostering collaboration, and demonstrating the power of design to address real-world challenges. From the URBAN SUN, purifying public spaces during the COVID pandemic, to the SEEING STARS initiative, switching off city lights to reveal the night sky, Roosegaarde consistently seeks innovative solutions that enhance daily life and reconnect us with the natural world. He is a true visionary, reminding us that beauty and functionality are not mutually exclusive but rather essential components of a brighter tomorrow.