I wanted to deal with light directly rather than with paint.
James TurrellRead
I am interested in the physicality of light itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a fascination with the tangible aspects and properties of light.
James Turrell's quote reflects his deep interest in the physical nature of light and how it can be experienced. As an artist who manipulates light in his installations, he emphasizes the importance of understanding light not just as a visual phenomenon, but as a material substance that can transform perception and space.
Themes
LightArtPhysicalityPerceptionExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about modern art, one could use this quote to discuss the role of light in contemporary installations.
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.
James TurrellRead
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
Similar quotes
In my naïvety, I thought people who were in rock 'n' roll bands were great artists, and it was a huge shock to the system to realise that they weren't, that they didn't even aspire to be, really. Some of them did, maybe, but some of them, like Samson, were very frightened of the idea.
Bruce DickinsonRead
When you write about sports, you're allowed to engage in mischief. Nothing is at stake.
Malcolm GladwellRead
I cannot force a design; I do not see this process as being under my conscious control.
Maya LinRead
You move just a finger, say the slightest word, something's bound to linger-be heard.
Stephen SondheimRead
A good photograph is knowing where to stand.
Ansel AdamsRead
There is only one true thing: instantly paint what you see. When you've got it, you've got it. When you haven't, you begin again. All the rest is humbug.
Edouard ManetRead