The concept of light is complex–its polarization, energy and composition–but artist James Turrell has always understood it well. Since his early work, Turrell has combined light and art in order to build on “the sensorial experience of space, color and perception,” or more specifically, to get the viewer to feel and engage with his art. Turrell’s newest installation, After Effect, continues this exploration of light and space, and expands on his Wedgework pieces. 

A Turrell Wedgework is all about the optical experience. His usage of projected light creates an illusion of walls and/or barriers, making these works appear three-dimensional to the naked-eye. Turrell’s Wedgeworks also contain geometric angles and his love of vibrant colors, to add on to this illusion. 

Turrell’s new installation will be an addition to his curation of Ad Reinhardt works, titled Color Out of Darkness, which “centers enactments of lightness and darkness.” Much like Turrell, Reinhardt incorporated light into his work, and was one artist who inspired Turrell and his style of art. Thus, incorporating his Wedgeworks into the Reinhardt presentation will give viewers a new “mode of viewing” of Reinhardt’s “abstractions.”

Both exhibitions will be on view until March 19th at Pace Gallery.