James Turrell's Light Projections are a pivotal aspect of his exploration into the perceptual qualities of light and its ability to transform space. These works, which began in the 1960s, utilize projected light to create geometric forms and spaces that exist only through the viewer's perception. Turrell's method involves precise control over the environment, often using a single, high-intensity light source to project shapes onto walls or corners, creating the illusion of three-dimensional objects or spaces (National Gallery of Art) (ArchDaily).
In his early experiments, such as "Afrum I (White)" from 1967, Turrell projected simple geometric shapes to create the illusion of solid forms made purely from light. This innovative approach not only challenges traditional notions of sculpture and space but also invites viewers to contemplate the materiality of light itself (ArchDaily). Turrell's work is deeply influenced by his background in psychology and his interest in the Ganzfeld effect—a phenomenon where viewers exposed to an unchanging visual field lose their depth perception and may experience visual hallucinations or altered states of consciousness (Architect).
His Light Projections are part of a broader investigation into how light can shape one's experience of space. For Turrell, light is not merely a tool for illumination but a medium for art, capable of evoking profound sensory and emotional responses. He seeks to create conditions where light is felt as a physical presence, transforming the viewer's perception of the surrounding environment (ArchDaily).
Moreover, Turrell's approach extends beyond the visual to include architectural elements, playing with viewers' perception of boundary and depth. Through careful manipulation of light and space, his installations often give rise to a sense of infinity or boundlessness, challenging the viewer's spatial awareness and creating immersive experiences that blur the line between the tangible and the intangible (ArchDaily) (National Gallery of Art).
Turrell's work with light projections represents a significant contribution to contemporary art, offering a unique exploration of the nuances of perception and the profound ways in which light and space can influence human experience. His installations, characterized by their simplicity and depth, invite viewers into a meditative engagement with the fundamental elements of human perception, making Turrell not just a master of light, but a sculptor of perception itself (Wikipedia) (Architect).