Häusler Contemporary Gallery presents the exhibition «Works 1984 – 2023» by James Turrell, one of the leading light artists of our time, who maintains a special relationship with Zurich.
James Turrell transforms unique spaces with light and color, inviting viewers to expand the boundaries of their perception. «My works are about seeing itself. Light is not the medium; it is what is seen,» explains the American artist.
Over nearly four decades, he has consistently experimented with light as a material to create impressive experiences.
James Turrell, Tall Glass Series: DEEP WATERS, 2023 (© James Turrell, Image: Peter Baracchi)
Special Relationship with Zurich
The over thirty-year collaboration between Turrell and the gallery owners Wolfgang and Christa Häusler, Häusler Contemporary Gallery, has helped establish the gallery spaces at Zurich's Stampfenbachplatz – designed by Turrell himself – as a significant venue for the presentation of light art. The 11th solo exhibition of Turrell in Zurich not only marks the longstanding partnership with the gallery but also Turrell's special relationship with the city.
A highlight of his connection to Zurich is the planned opening of the «Skyspace» (in German only) at the newly built Children's Hospital in the fall of 2024. A walk-in space with a light installation specifically designed as a retreat for the young patients, their parents, and the medical staff, it is a gift from the artist to the clinic.
Positive Development in the Art Market
The impressive development and artistic value of Turrell's work are also reflected in the art market. Over the past nine years, prices for his works have increased by approximately 60 percent, and it is tentatively believed that prices could increase by about 10 percent annually.
This positive development not only underscores Turrell's enduring relevance in the art world but also the deep appreciation that collectors and art enthusiasts have for his creations.
James Turrell, Suite from Aten Reign, 2014, Aquatint on Hahnemühle Copperplate, three parts. Edition 30, AP 4/6. Signed and numbered. (© James Turrell, Image: Dirk Tacke)
Attractive Prices
The current exhibition at Häusler Contemporary presents a range of Turrell's work, from limited edition prints to his famous light pieces. The prices for the prints in the exhibition range from $18,000 to $70,000, highlighting their accessibility and attractiveness to collectors with various budgets.
Turrell's fascinating light works, creating unique spatial experiences, are priced between $200,000 and $800,000, and in some cases even higher, depending on the type of work.
Limited Edition Prints
In addition to his large-scale installations, the exhibition also features rare prints, including the Aquatint series «Deep Sky,» created in 1984 in close collaboration with the renowned Swiss copper engraver Peter Kneubühler in Zurich.
This series refers to Turrell's massive Land Art project «Roden Crater», located in the barren landscape of Flagstaff, Arizona.
World's Largest Light Museum
This is an extinct volcano crater that the artist is transforming into the world's largest light museum. Häusler Contemporary had bronze and plaster models of the crater edited, providing a small-scale representation of the effect of the real crater spaces. These models are lent to museums and shown in the context of important exhibitions.
James Turrell, Sun and Moon Space, 2006, Bronze and plaster model, two parts. Signed and numbered. (© James Turrell, Image: Peter Baracchi)
Latest Technology
The exhibition also provides insights into Turrell's technical innovations, including the latest version of the «Tall Glass» work, which was first presented in its original version in 2007 at the gallery's European premiere.
Now, this type of work is showcased in its latest version, featuring state-of-the-art LED technology and a continuous color change over two and a half hours. A piece of art that offers a haven of peace in today's fast-paced world.
The exhibition «Works 1984 – 2023» at Häusler Contemporary thus offers an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the world of an artist whose work is not only aesthetically stunning but also considered a significant long-term enrichment for any collection.
- The exhibition is open until March 1, 2024.
James Turrell, born in 1943 in Los Angeles, is a representative of the international art scene, whose work is dedicated to the theme of natural and artificial light. His installations and environments explore the limits of human perception and make light tangible as an artistic medium. Throughout his career, he has been honored with various prestigious awards: he received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1974, and in 1991, he was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters in France. His works have been presented worldwide in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including renowned galleries such as the Gagosian Gallery in London, MoMA PS1, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Museum of Modern Art in Frankfurt, and many others. The artist currently lives and works in Flagstaff, USA.
