Ganzfeld “Aural”
An Installation by James Turrell
In a temporary structure in the museum garden, we were presenting the immersive installation Ganzfeld “Aural” by the artist James Turrell.
“Aural” was the Berlin premiere of a Ganzfeld by the world’s foremost light sculptor. The installation is part of the Ganzfeld Pieces series, in which Turrell creates liminal zones of experience.
The Installation
Upon entering the Ganzfeld “Aural” installation, visitors are immersed in a space that reveals neither its light source nor its dimensions. Their eyes lose their frame of reference; their gaze is unleashed. Light, color, and space melt together. The installation’s gradual color shifts are punctuated by flashes of light.
James Turell demands time from his visitors. Our eyes must first adjust before the light’s effect fully unfolds.
Suddenly, we perceive the slightest stimuli and changes. This leads to dreamlike experiences reminiscent of thick fog, expanses of snow, or the dark of night.
James Turrell, Ganzfeld “Aural”, 2018; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz, photo: Florian Holzherr
James Turrell, Ganzfeld “Aural”, 2018; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz, photo: Florian Holzherr
James Turrell, Ganzfeld “Aural”, 2018; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz, photo: Florian Holzherr
Symbolism of light
Light is a central symbol in Judaism linking the beginning and end of creation. James Turrell’s works can be seen as one of the most spectacular artistic interpretations of the creation of light.
Gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz
Ganzfeld “Aural” is the second gift by the devoted collectors Dieter and Si Rosenkranz after the installation Schalechet by Menashe Kadishman.
Supported by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media by a resolution of the German Parliament.
James Turrell, Ganzfeld “Aural”, 2018; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz, photo: Florian Holzherr
James Turrell, Ganzfeld “Aural”, 2018; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift of Dieter and Si Rosenkranz, photo: Florian Holzherr
James Turrell
James Turrell (b. 1943, Los Angeles) is one of the key figures in contemporary art. For more than fifty years now, he has focused his artistic efforts on exploring how we perceive light. He has investigated the self-awareness of our various senses, conscious and unconscious modes of seeing, and the emotional quality of our feeling for light, space, and time.
James Turrell; photo: Grant Delin
Exhibition Information at a Glance
- When 12 Apr 2018 to 6 Oct 2019
- Where Museum Garden
Lindenstraße 9–14, 10969 Berlin
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