James Turrell «The Circular Glass»

About

We are very pleased to exclusively present an installation by James Turrell from the new series «The Circular Glass». Conceived for an everyday architectural environment, these spectacular works enable a visual and sensory experience of light as was previously reserved for larger installations by the artist. The unique pieces in this series are akin to the «Small Glass» series from 2016, which has attracted great attention from collectors and a broad public. The «Circular Glasses» too are individually programmed using the latest LED technology. Their physical structure relates to Turrell's «Shallow Space Constructions» from the late 1960s and early 1970s. With this new series, the artist continues his exploration of technological possibilities in connection with sensory practices, inviting viewers to a meditative experience.

Being long lasting supporters and promoters of James Turrell's work, we complementary show carefully selected works that demonstrate the broad spectrum of his approach, tracing a bow from his artistic beginnings up to the present day:
The rare sheets of the «First Light» series, created in 1989/90, illustrate his early projection works from 1966–67 and in their titles reveal their relation to space:  Thus the works of the «Single-wall projection pieces» are called «Phantom» and «Fargo», the «Cross corner projection pieces» «Afrum» and «Squat», among others. These aquatint etchings were created in collaboration with the major copperplate printer Peter Kneubühler in Zurich and hence, they reveal Turrell's affinity for printing technology.  

Other sensuous and atmospheric pigment prints and maps refer to the «Roden Crater», the extinct volcanic crater in the Arizona desert that Turrell has been continuously converting into something like a «celestial observatory» since the 1970s. The new «Roden Crater Site Plan», an edition of large-format inkjet blueprints, provides an idea of the current state of development of this monumental «Work in Progress», whilst bronze and plaster models illustrate on a small scale individual «chambers» of Turrell's Opus Magnum.

Our exhibition spans over fourty years of James Turrell’s work, from the early works to the present. It visualizes how the artist succeeds in revealing something «ordinary» ­– the light – as a breathtaking phenomenon that provides insights into one's own perception.