I wanted to deal with light directly rather than with paint.
James TurrellRead
There are very few religious experiences that aren't explained using the vocabulary of light.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that light plays a crucial role in conveying profound religious or spiritual experiences.
James Turrell highlights the significance of light in the context of spiritual and religious experiences. He suggests that throughout history, various cultures and religions have used the concept of light as a metaphor to symbolize divine, transcendent, or enlightening moments. This reflects the universal appreciation of light as a powerful element in both art and spirituality, emphasizing its ability to convey deep emotional and existential truths.
Themes
LightSpiritualityArtExperienceTruth
In practice
Example use cases
During an art exhibition focused on installation pieces involving light, I might use this quote to emphasize the transformative power of light in art.
More from James Turrell
All quotes βIt 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, itβs been waiting for you.
James TurrellRead
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