James Turrell is an American artist who works primarily with light. Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, he studied psychology and mathematics before turning to art. His work focuses on perception—inviting viewers to slow down and experience light as a physical, spatial element.
Key Works
Roden Crater (1979–present):
A volcanic crater in Arizona that Turrell is transforming into a large-scale observatory, designed to frame celestial events and natural light.
Skyspaces (1970s):
Simple architectural rooms with open ceilings that frame the sky. Subtle LED lighting shifts the perceived color of the sky. A notable example is Twilight Epiphany at Rice University.
Aten Reign (2013):
A site-specific installation at the Guggenheim Museum that used fabric and light to transform the rotunda into a glowing, color-changing cone.
Why I Chose Him
I’m drawn to the clean, minimal design of Turrell’s work. His use of light and space creates peaceful, reflective environments that connect to both architecture and emotion.