"I'm not an artist who uses light and space. I am a light and space worker."
This quote indicates that James Turrell does not merely use light and space as artistic tools, but rather he identifies himself deeply with the mediums themselves. He perceives himself as a practitioner or craftsman of light and space, suggesting a dedication and immersion in his work beyond the typical artist-medium relationship. This perspective highlights Turrell's unique approach to art, emphasizing the experiential and transformative qualities of his installations, rather than focusing on their aesthetic or representational aspects.
"My work is about revealing the unseen."
James Turrell's quote, "My work is about revealing the unseen," implies that his art is designed to bring forth what lies beyond our immediate perception. By manipulating light and space, Turrell aims to create immersive experiences that invite viewers to explore the hidden dimensions of the world around them, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mysteries of existence that are usually overlooked or ignored. In essence, his art is a vehicle for self-discovery and contemplation.
"Art is a way of questioning, of probing the mouth of reality, asking insights of things that we take for granted."
James Turrell's quote emphasizes the transformative role of art in challenging our understanding of the world around us. By creating thought-provoking pieces, artists like Turrell prompt viewers to question everyday realities and seek fresh insights. Art serves as a lens through which we can explore the familiar from novel angles, fostering curiosity and intellectual growth.
"It's an exploration of perception and its boundaries."
James Turrell, a renowned American artist, emphasizes that his work is about delving into the depths of human perception and understanding its limits. In essence, he encourages us to question and explore our senses and how they shape our interpretation of reality. By immersing people in intricate installations and light-based artworks, Turrell invites them to challenge their perception, expanding their awareness beyond the confines of ordinary experience. This quote serves as a reminder that our understanding of the world is not fixed but rather fluid and open to exploration, encouraging us to keep questioning, learning, and growing.
"There is no void. It's just space that we perceive as void because there's nothing in it."
This quote by James Turrell highlights the subjective nature of perception. He suggests that what we label as 'void' or empty space, might not actually be empty, but rather, a space that we perceive to be void due to the absence of any discernible object within it. The statement emphasizes the importance of questioning our perceptions and challenging assumptions about the world around us, inviting us to see beyond what is visibly present.
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.
- James Turrell
My aunt was Frances Hodges, who in the Fifties was the editor of 'Seventeen' and later one of the creators of 'Mademoiselle.' She was my Auntie Mame; she loved culture. She was a Quaker, but she became a milliner against all Quaker logic - they feel that fashion and art are vanities - because she loved fashion.
- James Turrell
At Roden Crater, I was interested in taking the cultural artifice of art out into the natural surround. I wanted the work to be enfolded in nature in such a way that light from the sun, moon and stars empowered the spaces. I wanted to bring culture to the natural surround as if one was designing a garden.
- James Turrell
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