I wanted to deal with light directly rather than with paint.
James TurrellRead
Generally, we use light to illuminate other things. I like the thingness, the materiality of light itself. So it feels like it's occupying the space, making a plane, being something that was there, not just passing through. Because light is just passing through. I make these spaces that seem to arrest it for our perception.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the intrinsic nature of light and how it can create a physical presence in art.
James Turrell explores the concept of light not merely as a tool for illumination but as a tangible entity that occupies space and influences our perception. He suggests that through his work, he aims to create environments where light is not just transient but becomes a permanent, observable element that can be experienced differently, allowing viewers to engage with it on a deeper level.
Themes
LightArtPerceptionSpaceMateriality
In practice
Example use cases
During an art exhibition, you might use this quote to explain the concept behind your installation.
More from James Turrell
All quotes →It is only when light is reduced that the pupil opens and feeling goes out of the eyes like touch.
James TurrellRead
I feel that I want to use light as this wonderful and magic elixir that we drink as Vitamin D through the skin - and I mean, we are literally light-eaters - to then affect the way that we see.
James TurrellRead
In many cases, if we knew what it would take, we might have thought twice about it, so it's often wonderful that we don't have hindsight.
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There are different stages when you fly. The first stage is the dollhouse effect, seeing everything on Earth like it's a model. Suddenly, all of your concerns seem very small.
James TurrellRead
Space has a way of looking. It seems like it has a presence of vision. When you come into it, it is there, it’s been waiting for you.
James TurrellRead
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