James Turrell's Ganzfeld works are part of his groundbreaking explorations within the Light and Space movement, a genre that focuses on perceptual phenomena such as light, volume, and scale, and their ability to alter the viewer's perception of space. The term "Ganzfeld" is derived from the German words for "complete field," and these installations aim to create an immersive environment that engages the viewer's entire field of vision. Turrell's Ganzfeld pieces are renowned for their ability to dissolve boundaries and engage viewers in a deep, meditative experience with light.
One of the core principles behind the Ganzfeld works is the Ganzfeld effect, where viewers experience a form of sensory deprivation due to the lack of visual stimuli, which can lead to hallucinations. These installations fill the spectator's entire field of vision with unmodulated fields of color, challenging the viewers' perception and sometimes inducing hallucinatory experiences. Through the manipulation of space and light, Turrell's works invite observers to question the nature of their perception and the reality of the space surrounding them (Fine Art Multiple).
Turrell's fascination with light and space began early in his life and has its roots in his upbringing in a Quaker family, where he learned to "go inside to greet the light" during Quaker meetings. This spiritual and introspective approach to light and its effects on perception has been a constant in his career (The Art Story). His extensive work with light is not just limited to Ganzfeld installations but spans across various forms including his Skyspaces, Perceptual Cells, and the monumental Roden Crater project. The Roden Crater, an extinct volcano in Northern Arizona that Turrell is transforming into a naked-eye observatory, stands as his magnum opus, integrating art with natural landscape to create an immersive experience that emphasizes the celestial movements and events (Fine Art Multiple) (Wikipedia).
Skyspaces, another significant aspect of Turrell's oeuvre, are enclosed spaces with an opening in the roof through which viewers can observe the sky. Often situated in contemplative settings, these works play with the viewer's perception of the sky and its interaction with architectural elements. Skyspaces serve as a medium for Turrell to explore his interests in light, sky, and the personal experience of space. They are designed to enhance the viewer's perception of light and space, effectively turning the act of observing the sky into a profound experience (Wikipedia).
Through his Ganzfeld works and other installations, Turrell has continuously expanded the boundaries of art, inviting viewers into unique perceptual experiences. His work encourages a deep engagement with the phenomena of light and space, prompting a reevaluation of the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.