The artwork titled “Coconino” was created by James Turrell in 1998 as a part of his influential Ganzfelds series. This installation is an exemplar of the Light and Space movement, a genre that emerged in the mid-20th century with a focus on perceptual phenomena and the use of light as a primary medium.
“Coconino” envelops the viewer in a uniform field of intense blue light, creating an immersive color experience that obscures depth and contours. The space appears to be devoid of objects except for a rectangular shape that seems to float amidst the blue expanse. Turrell masterfully manipulates perception, coaxing the observer into a state of contemplation about the nature of light and vision. The use of saturated color to alter spatial perception is a defining characteristic of Turrell’s work, inviting a deep engagement with the elemental forces of light and space.
