Artlyst Podcast: James Turrell Discusses The Grand English Home And The Nature Of Light

James Turrell

American artist James Turrell is currently presenting a site-specific light work at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, as the culmination to the exhibition “LightScape: James Turrell”. Artlyst visited the stunning grounds of one of England’s finest Palladian houses to see a preview of the acclaimed American artist’s latest project.

The spectacular 45-minute light display, which began at dusk illuminated the entire west façade of Houghton Hall with a slowly evolving light show specifically created by the artist.

From the mid 1960’s onwards Turrell’s principal concern has been the way we apprehend light and space. The artist’s study of mathematics and perceptual psychology, as well as his Quaker upbringing and background as a pilot, inform his working practice.

The artist’s first exhibition in 1967 of ‘projection pieces,’ used high intensity light projectors to give the illusion of a solid geometrical object, often seemingly floating in space. From these investigations of light, Turrell went on to begin his series of ‘Skyspaces’. These are enclosed viewing chambers that affect our perception of the sky.

In this first part of two podcasts the artist spoke to Artlyst about his latest work installed at Houghton Hall, his relationship with Houghton’s environment, the subtle nature of light, and the analogy of the cave.

Audio: James Turrell. Photos, P A Black © Artlyst 2015 all rights reserved

Lightscape: James Turrell at Houghton Hall – until 24 October

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