The artwork entitled “Cumo” by the artist James Turrell, created in 1976, is a notable installation within the ‘Space Division Constructions’ series that exemplifies the Light and Space movement. This artistic endeavor explores the manipulation of light and space to create immersive environments that challenge the viewer’s perception.
The artwork presents a serene and minimalist aesthetic, characteristic of Turrell’s style and the broader Light and Space movement, which is renowned for its focus on sensory experiences and phenomenological impact. The installation features a rectangular cut-out or aperture on a wall that appears to be a flat, two-dimensional surface. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals Turrell’s mastery in shaping the immaterial forces of light and space; what seems to be a painted rectangle is actually a luminous opening that invites onlookers to ponder the depth and luminosity within. The interplay of shadow and light, alongside the subtle gradations of illumination, plays with the viewer’s depth perception, causing one to question the boundaries of space and the interface between wall and void. The surrounding environment, with its starkly lit walls and the naturally hued floor, serves to further accentuate the central optical phenomenon, making “Cumo” a profound example of how art can transcend traditional mediums, engaging viewers in a meditative and transformative visual dialogue.
