Light and Perception
Turrell has studied both the nature of light and the psychology of perception. At sunrise or sunset in the "Amarna" one participates in an experience that uses light and colour to create a sense of altered space. I mentioned that Turrell was raised a Quaker, whose emphasis on the "Inner Light" is central to everything they do. This belief has never left Turrell. He walks in the Light and uses the light spectrum as a metaphor for what he considers the essence of the Light.
On the top right hand corner of this montage you'll see rows of seats that extend right around the installation. These are just like those found in old Quaker Meeting Houses. In fact the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Hobart use this space from time to time for meetings. A Quaker meeting is held in a silent meditative state, at once individual and corporate. That's Mt Wellington / kunanyi in the background.
Sitting silently and looking up (another metaphorical act) the colours change so gradually that one moves through the entire visible colour spectrum over the next 45 minutes. That rectangular window in the ceiling allows one to look through and see the sky. But even the sky seems to change colour and vibrancy with the changing of the light.
mona.net.au/stuff-to-do/james-turrell-amarna
Light and Perception
Turrell has studied both the nature of light and the psychology of perception. At sunrise or sunset in the "Amarna" one participates in an experience that uses light and colour to create a sense of altered space. I mentioned that Turrell was raised a Quaker, whose emphasis on the "Inner Light" is central to everything they do. This belief has never left Turrell. He walks in the Light and uses the light spectrum as a metaphor for what he considers the essence of the Light.
On the top right hand corner of this montage you'll see rows of seats that extend right around the installation. These are just like those found in old Quaker Meeting Houses. In fact the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Hobart use this space from time to time for meetings. A Quaker meeting is held in a silent meditative state, at once individual and corporate. That's Mt Wellington / kunanyi in the background.
Sitting silently and looking up (another metaphorical act) the colours change so gradually that one moves through the entire visible colour spectrum over the next 45 minutes. That rectangular window in the ceiling allows one to look through and see the sky. But even the sky seems to change colour and vibrancy with the changing of the light.
mona.net.au/stuff-to-do/james-turrell-amarna