James Turrell, a renowned artist known for his groundbreaking work in perceptual art, has been pushing the boundaries of light, space, and human experience since the 1960s. One of his most ambitious projects, Roden Crater, has been in progress since 1977 and promises to be a monumental exploration of the interplay between light, space, and the natural world.
In addition to Roden Crater, Turrell has also created a series of site-specific installations called Skyspaces. These immersive environments invite viewers to engage with light, architecture, and the celestial realm in a unique and profound way. From museums to fishing villages to Quaker meeting houses, Turrell’s Skyspaces can be found around the world, each offering a distinct and transformative experience.
One of Turrell’s latest Skyspaces, titled “As Seen Below,” was recently unveiled at ARoS in Aarhus, Denmark. This expansive installation features a dome bathed in changing colors of light, with an oculus at its zenith that allows viewers to gaze up at the sky. At over 50 feet high and 130 feet across, it is the largest Skyspace work Turrell has created within a museum setting.
Visitors to “As Seen Below” enter through a subterranean corridor that leads to a spacious hall filled with light and color. Benches line the perimeter, inviting viewers to sit and contemplate the ever-changing hues of the sky above. Turrell’s intention with this Skyspace is to shape the experience of seeing, emphasizing the act of looking as the essence of the work itself.
“As Seen Below” will open to the public on June 19, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Turrell’s unique vision of light, space, and perception. This Skyspace promises to be a transformative experience, inviting viewers to engage with the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a truly extraordinary way.
