James Turrell is a name synonymous with light, perception, and the reimagining of space. As a pivotal figure in the Light and Space movement, his work transcends traditional artistic boundaries, creating immersive experiences that challenge the viewer’s sense of reality. From his groundbreaking “Ganzfeld” series to the monumental Roden Crater, Turrell’s oeuvre combines science, spirituality, and art to offer profound moments of introspection.

“At One,” an exhibition of works by James Turrell, is currently on view at Gagosian, Le Bourget. This is the largest exhibition by the artist in Europe in over twenty-five years.

The main space on the Le Bourget gallery’s ground floor houses “All Clear,” from the “Ganzfeld” series. Viewers enter a rounded, all-white pavilion within which they are bathed with colored light generated by an LED screen and backlighting. The lack of corners and edges in the space further contributes to a loss of orientation. The series is named for the Ganzfeld Effect, which can occur when an absence of depth, shape, and distance indicators causes the brain to mistake visual noise for tangible information. Turrell’s work evokes the disorienting experiences of skiing in whiteout conditions, ascending into enveloping clouds while flying, or diving into the void of the deep ocean.

Exploring Light as Medium

At the core of Turrell’s practice is the manipulation of light—both natural and artificial—as a tangible medium. His works, such as Afrum-Proto (1966) and the Mendota Stoppages series, demonstrate his ability to shape light into structures that dissolve physical boundaries. Inspired by his background in perceptual psychology and Quaker faith, Turrell crafts environments that encourage quiet contemplation, where light evokes the sublime.

Roden Crater: A Celestial Observatory

Perhaps Turrell’s most ambitious project, the Roden Crater, transforms an extinct volcanic cinder cone into an observatory for celestial phenomena. Situated in Arizona’s Painted Desert, the crater features tunnels and apertures that frame the sky, offering a multisensory exploration of light and space. Begun in 1977, this evolving masterpiece embodies Turrell’s vision of connecting humanity to the cosmos.

Skyspaces: Framing the Infinite

Turrell’s Skyspaces are enclosed installations with openings that frame the sky, altering its appearance through light and color. Works like Meeting at MoMA PS1 or Three Gems at the de Young Museum create a dialogue between natural phenomena and architectural intervention. These spaces invite viewers to slow down and experience the sky as an ever-changing canvas.

Ganzfeld and Sensory Perception

The Ganzfeld series, including All Clear (on display at Gagosian, Le Bourget), immerses viewers in color-saturated environments. Drawing on the Ganzfeld effect, where sensory deprivation alters perception, these installations dissolve spatial boundaries, evoking experiences akin to whiteout conditions or deep-sea immersion.

A Legacy of Light and Space

From his early experiments to his modern LED-driven installations, Turrell’s work is a testament to his mastery of light as both material and metaphor. His ability to merge art with perceptual science has earned him accolades, including exhibitions at major institutions like the Guggenheim and LACMA.

James Turrell doesn’t just create art; he crafts experiences that linger in the mind, reshaping how we see and feel light. For art lovers and casual viewers alike, his work offers a gateway to the infinite—one illuminated frame at a time.

 

James Turrell doesn’t just create art; he crafts experiences that linger in the mind, reshaping how we see and feel light. For art lovers and casual viewers alike, his work offers a gateway to the infinite—one illuminated frame at a time.