BOOK:James Turrell-A Retrospective, Pace Gallery

Co-published with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to accompany a landmark touring retrospective—and concurrent exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston—”James Turrell: A Retrospective” is a definitive and visually arresting volume available through Pace Gallery. This comprehensive monograph traces the evolution of James Turrell’s groundbreaking practice, from his early experiments at the Mendota studio to the ambitious and still-unfolding Roden Crater project in the Arizona desert. James Turrell, whose art transcends the visual to become experiential, invites viewers to “go inside and greet the light,” a meditative call rooted in his Quaker heritage. His singular body of work reflects a fusion of personal history and intellectual curiosity—shaped by a lifelong engagement with aviation, perceptual psychology, and the scientific study of light. A key figure in the vibrant Los Angeles art scene of the 1960s, Turrell emerged as a pioneer of the Light and Space movement, redefining the boundaries between viewer, space, and illumination. Richly illustrated with specially commissioned photography by Florian Holzherr, the book offers a deep dive into Turrell’s oeuvre: from his iconic geometric light projections and early prints to immersive installations that blur the edges of perception, as well as recent explorations into holography. Essays by leading scholars, alongside a revealing interview with the artist himself, provide insight into both the philosophy and process behind his visionary work. Of particular significance is the in-depth presentation of Roden Crater, Turrell’s epic transformation of an extinct volcano into a celestial observatory. Featuring architectural models, sketches, photographs, and construction plans, this section provides a rare window into one of the most ambitious land art projects of our time. A must-have for admirers and newcomers alike, “James Turrell: A Retrospective” is both a scholarly resource and a visual journey through one of contemporary art’s most profound and contemplative practices. -Efi Michalarou