Event Two - Light Reignfall
Event Two - Light Reignfall
James Turrell works primarily with light and space to create
absolutely stunning works of art. His piece Light Reignfall, currently on
view at LACMA, is not only an incredible visual experience, but
is the perfect example of the intersection between science and art.
An exterior shot of the Perceptual Cell. |
Light Reignfall is part of Turrell’s Perceptual Cells Series
-- a series of enclosed autonomous spaces built specifically for one person at
a time in which one’s perception of space is challenged by light. To engage
with the piece, an individual wears headphones and lies down on a bed that
slides into the spherical chamber. A display of saturated light envelopes the
viewer as the experience reveals the intricacies of light and the complexities
of the human eye.
The exhibit draws on two key inspirations: perceptual
psychology (the concept and construction of the sphere) and the “visual
texture” of Southern California (the aesthetic character of the light display).
Both of these are personal connections for Turrell as he is native to the area
and majored in perceptual psychology in the 60s when studying at Pomona
College. While it’s easy to attribute the success of the piece to Turrell’s
personal connections, Light Reignfall truly shines when evaluated as an artwork
that challenges the division between art and technology.
Inside the Perceptual Cell, demonstrating how one enters the space. |
The piece was brought to LACMA as a gift from Hyundai Motor
in association with The Hyundai Project: Art + Technology. The Hyundai Project
was established with the intent of putting art and technology together in such
a way that aimed to change public perception of the two communities’ divide.
LACMA’s status as the largest art museum in the western US and one of the most
popular meant that the piece Hyundai gave was one of the most compelling of the
selection. Light Reignfall certainly lives up to the expectation.
Breathing Light (on display at the Massachusetts MOCA) demonstrates Turrell's interest in light and space on a much larger scale. |
Like most of
Turrell’s work, Light Reignfall uses light to manipulate space and examine the
abilities of the human eye. Turrell’s meticulous planning and calculations
demonstrate a strong understanding of math, science, and technology that pair beautifully
with the images created. Light Reignfall takes Turrell’s marriage of art and
technology further and removes the passivity of the viewer. By being
immersed in the piece, viewers see the light and experience its effects in
relation to their own bodies.
Turrell encourages viewers to internalize his artwork and
forces the scientific and technological to be acknowledged in tandem with the
visual experience. Light Reignfall masterfully illustrates the potential
harmony to be found in the combination of art and science.
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