James Turrell

Date of Birth: May 6, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

James Turrell is an American artist known for his work within the Light and Space movement. Born in Los Angeles, California, Turrell has devoted his career to exploring the interplay of light and human perception. His art often involves large-scale installations that manipulate natural and artificial light to create immersive experiences. Educated in perceptual psychology and fine arts, Turrell’s unique approach combines scientific insight with artistic innovation. One of his most ambitious projects is the Roden Crater, an extinct volcanic cone in Arizona that he has been transforming into a monumental work of art for over four decades. Through his work, Turrell challenges viewers to reconsider their perception of light, space, and form.

5 Interesting Facts about James Turrell

1. James Turrell is a licensed pilot and has used his aviation skills to create aerial art pieces and to scout locations for his projects.

2. He received a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as a “Genius Grant,” in 1984.

3. Turrell’s work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

4. He has Quaker roots, which influence his work’s meditative and contemplative nature.

5. The Roden Crater project involves complex engineering and astronomical alignment to enhance the viewer’s experience of light and space.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Turrell

1. “I want to create an atmosphere that can be consciously plumbed with seeing.”

2. “We eat light, drink it in through our skins. With a little more exposure, a little more time, we become more susceptible to it.”

3. “Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”

4. “My work is about your seeing. There is a rich tradition in painting of work about light, but it is not light — it is the record of seeing. My material is light, and it is responsive to your seeing.”

5. “I am interested in the qualities of light that we cannot perceive.”