James A. Turrell - M.A. '73

James Turrell’s artwork involves explorations in light and space that speak to the viewer without words, impacting the eye, body, and mind. Turrell graduated from Pomona College, where he majored in psychology and mathematics. He then began his pursuit of art at CGU’s art program. He is one three CGU alumni to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship for creativity and is also a Guggenheim Fellow.

Turrell’s current project is centered on an extinct volcano near the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert.  His largest and most anticipated work, the Roden Crater, is a place of seeing, revelation, and communion with the universe. He has been transforming the ancient cinder cone into a celestial observatory for the last 30 years. The crater will include an 874 foot passage cut through the mountain, which changes shape and gains color as one approaches.  A portion of the crater will open this fall and completion of the project is projected for 2006.

Influenced by his Quaker faith, which he characterizes as having a “straightforward, strict presentation of the sublime,” Mr. Turrell’s art prompts greater self-awareness through a similar discipline of silent contemplation, patience, and meditation. A native of Los Angeles, he lives in Arizona near the Roden Crater.