James Turrell

A Retrospective

Michael Govan

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Kanye West's favorite books.

Book Synopsis

"James Turrell" by Michael Govan offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and work of renowned contemporary artist James Turrell. This book delves into Turrell's groundbreaking contributions to the field of light and space art, showcasing his transformative installations and immersive environments.

Govan delves into Turrell's early years, discussing his upbringing and the influences that shaped his artistic vision. From his encounters with the Basque people in the American Southwest to his exposure to Quakerism, Turrell's background is illustrated as a significant foundation for his later artistic endeavors.

The book examines Turrell's mastery of light and his ability to manipulate perception, inviting readers to appreciate the profound impact of his work. With vivid descriptions and stunning visuals, readers are guided through Turrell's key installations, such as Roden Crater, Skyspaces, and Ganzfelds, showcasing his transformative use of color, shape, and illusion.

Govan delves into Turrell's approach to spirituality and his belief in light as an elemental force. He explores Turrell's collaborations with architects and scientists, who have assisted him in realizing his ambitious projects. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, readers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Turrell's innovative artistic practice.

"James Turrell" celebrates the artist's profound contributions and invites readers to contemplate the power of perception and the transformative experience of art. With its concise and precise writing style, this book serves as an indispensable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the visionary world of James Turrell.

Explore More Books

See All
Obvious Adams
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
The Wager
Musashi
Destined For War
Who We Are and How We Got Here
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Dirt to Soil
King Lear
The Blue Sweater
God's Debris
A Splendid Exchange
The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty
Nudge
Neuromancer
The Great Mental Models
American Nations
Incognito
Kochland
Ringworld
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
Eating Animals
The Jewish Century
Something Like an Autobiography
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Art of  Scientific Investigation
The Fourth Turning
Technofeudalism
Physics of the Future
Stories of Your Life and Others
The Big Score
The Man Who Solved The Market
Recapturing The Spirit Of Enterprise
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
Creativity, Inc.
Building the Intentional University
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Math, Better Explained
The Unquiet Grave
Bad For You
Scaling People
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
What is Life?
Road to Wigan Pier
In Over Our Heads
Prosperity
Fewer
The Lizard King
Social Cognition
A Mind At Play
The Essays of Schopenhauer
The Dream of Reason
End of Illness
Stumbling on Happiness
Automate This
The 4 Hour Body
Investment Biker
Creative Selection
The Doors of Perception
Citizen Coke
Thermoinfocomplexity
You
Who
Adult Children of Alcoholics
The Gospel of Wealth
A Father First
James Turrell
Where Good Ideas Come From
Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life
Judgment in Managerial Decision Making
The Hydrogen Sonata
Midnight In Chernobyl
Cryptonomicon
Secrets of Closing the Sale
The Power Broker
Charged
Tools and Weapons
Deep Medicine
Tribe
Think Again
Getting It Done
Rise of the Robots
The Global Macro Edge
Entangled Life
Conscious Business
Taxes Have Consequences
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
The New Jim Crow
The Ordeal of Civility
The Little Bitcoin Book
Happiness
Biography of the Dollar
Future Forward
The New One
Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish
Man's Search for Meaning
Loonshots
The Underdog Founder
Prisoners of Geography