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
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
How Will You Measure Your Life?
In-N-Out Burger
The Hot Hand
The American Story
A Peace to End All Peace
The Infidel and the Professor
The British Are Coming
How to Read a Book
Happy Money
Beat the Wealth Management Hustle
Search Inside Yourself
More Than You Know
A Hall of Mirrors
The Great Book of Amber
Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero
Talent
Believe Me
Superforecasting
100 Deadly Skills
Billion Dollar Whale
A History of Rome
The Art of Possibility
The Neverending Story
The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All
The Aspirational Investor
101 Things I Learned in Engineering School
The Net & The Butterfly
Endure
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Louis XIV
The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis
Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens
Oranges
The Constitutional Convention
Trillion Dollar Triage
The Book of Why
The Skeptical Environmentalist
Scaling People
The Little Book of Bull Moves
The Box
Einstein
Prof. Arnold Ehret's Mucusless Diet Healing System
The Surrender Experiment
The Best We Could Do
Double your Profits
The Clash of the Cultures
Hidden Repression
Blue Ocean Strategy
Tales of the Unexpected
Mohandas K. Ghandi
Making The Modern World
Power Failure
Homo Deus
The Fear Book
Viral
Technopoly
Q.E.D.
The Airbnb Story
Army Of None
Natural Capitalism
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
No Bullshit Guide to Math and Physics
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Barbarians At The Gate
Paradigms
Matthew Barney & Elizabeth Peyton
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
The True Believer
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
Rubicon
Nonviolent Communication
The Hate U Give
The Science of Success
A Mathematician's Apology
Chasing Hillary
Maps of Meaning
Golden Gates
A History of the Mind
Not The End of the World
The Talent Code
Margin of Safety
Stretching the School Dollar
My Forty Years with Ford
The Inner Lives of Markets
Confidence Game
A Year with Rumi
Dream Big
Originals
Endurance
The Man Who Fed The World
You Can Be a Stock Market Genius
Freakonomics
The Story of Civilization: The Reformation
Every Life Is On Fire
Measure What Matters
Black Edge
Traction
The Happiness Hypothesis
The Weather Makers
Night Sky with Exit Wounds