James Turrell

Generally, light is used to reveal something about the object. I use light as the revelation itself.
—James Turrell

Gagosian is pleased to present Confidences, a pairing of two new works by James Turrell: a large diamond-shaped work in vibrant colors (Ariel, 2022) and a medium ellipse-shaped work in blush hues (Jeu, 2022). They will be shown together within a custom-built space at the rue de Ponthieu gallery, bringing them into dialogue with each other. The presentation will open alongside exhibitions at Gagosian’s other Paris locations of new work by Ed Ruscha (rue de Ponthieu), Jenny Saville (rue de Castiglione), and Richard Serra (Le Bourget). From October 20 to 23, Gagosian is also pleased to participate in the inaugural edition of Paris+ par Art Basel, at the Grand Palais Éphémère.

Informed by a study of perceptual psychology, Turrell has since the 1960s been exploring a variety of perceptual phenomena, ranging from sensory deprivation to intense optical effects. In 1966, he began working with light in his Ocean Park, California, studio. Early works such as Afrum-Proto (1966) and the Mendota Stoppages (1969–74), which employ planes of light in relation to architecture, became the basis for an ongoing manipulation of the built and natural environments of which these new works are a part. Turrell continues to use light as his primary subject and material, in formally simple projects that draw attention to the limits of seeing while seeking to expand the wordless thought that they provoke. Throughout these permutations, the light that is normally used to illuminate is assigned form and structure, making it the revelation itself.