He makes you see light itself.

Key Movements

Art Installation, Light and Space, Minimalism

A quick note

American artist associated with California's Light and Space movement. Rather than using light to illuminate objects, Turrell makes light, colour, perception and space the artwork themselves. His installations alter the viewer's perception of depth and architecture.


Why are they important?

Turrell shifted art from an object you look at to a perceptual experience you inhabit, making the physical act of seeing itself the subject.

James Turrell

Born
Nationality
American
More info
James Turrell, 2009
James Turrell, 2009© Encyclopedia Britannica

Artlovers Tip

Look out for his key works: Roden Crater (1977–ongoing), Meeting (1986), and Aten Reign (2013).

Why it inspires us

I like to use light as a material, but my medium is actually perception. I want you to sense yourself sensing - to see yourself seeing.

James Turrell