JAMES TURRELL

Turrell works with perceptual phenomena ranging from sensory deprivation to optical effects. In 1966, he began using planes of light in relation to architectural interiors, launching his practice of manipulating built and natural environments. He continues to use light as his primary material, examining the limits of perception and prompting meditative contemplation. The artist notes: “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.”

The prints on view in the Burlington Arcade gallery are drawn from Suite from Aten Reign (2014), which explores the luminous qualities of Aten Reign, a skylight installation that fundamentally transformed the perceived space of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed rotunda at the Guggenheim.

Capturing fleeting arrangements of concentric ovals in gradated colors, these woodcuts and etchings with aquatint push the capacity of ink to replicate transitional light effects.

Turrell’s development over the years of Roden Crater is documented in varied mediums, including numerous site plans (1983), the carbon print photograph Roden Crater Blue Sky (2009), and Roden Crater Site Plan along the Summer Solstice Axis (2024), an aerial representation of the site in gold leaf and glass. In addition, Turrell’s takeover of the Gagosian Shop features two crystal lightbox panels (2022); Turrell’s two Lalique perfumes, Range Rider and Purple Sage, in their limited-edition, artist-designed crystal bottles; and a selection of books on the artist. The basement is occupied by a curated selection of books focusing on Light and Space art and Land art.