International American light artist James Turrell launched his latest installation Night Life 2018 at Brisbane’s Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in the gallery’s forecourt on Friday 13 July, marking the 10th Anniversary of GOMA.
QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said Turrell’s artwork will permanently illuminate the eastern and southern façades of QAGOMA with a shifting pattern of vibrant coloured light from sunset to midnight every day.
Turrell is a senior contemporary artist who had worked within the creative realms of light and space for more than half a century, realising immersive and large-scale artworks that play with viewers’ perceptions. “We’re thrilled that our staff have been able to work so closely with the artist and his studio over many months on such a significant project, a first for Turrell and unique in terms of the many other light works he has created around the world,” said Chris.
Chris complimented the uniqueness of Turrell’s’ artworks being meticulously designed to encourage a spirit of contemplation. “As an artist he creates experiences with light and space that invite audiences to share a moment of reflection while in the company of others,” he said. Chris believed that this was a major moment for the Gallery and audiences, as they brought to life a permanent solid light installation that was a deeply immersive field of slowly changing colour. “With the launch of Turrell’s work at GOMA we realise a key aspect of the architects’ original design and vision for the building.”
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