In this lightroom located on the mountain, the convergence of sky and earth can be experienced in a new dimension.
For the Skyspace-Lech located in the high mountains, James Turrell selected the location “Tannegg” in Oberlech at 1780 meters above sea level. A hiking trail leads to the small hill above the mountain station of the Schlosskopfbahn all year. Additionally, it is also easily accessible from the ski slope.
The sketches of the artist show a building predominantly located underground, that integrates itself in the landscape seamlessly. The main room is equipped with a circumferential bench and opens up for an open view to the sky. The entrance occurs through a 15 meters long tunnel. The location possesses a fascinating sight axis between the prominent Biberkopf summit and the village Bürstegg on the one hand and the Omeshorn on the other hand.
We seem not to be aware that we ourselves consign the sky its colour. We think that everything is predetermined; however, we do play an active part in creating the reality in which we live.
James Turrell aims to make individuals aware of how we perceive the world. With the credo “seeing yourself seeing”, he circumscribes his artistic approach that is connected with a deep understanding for natural habitats and landscapes. In collaboration with the gallery Häusler Contemporary, the association Horizon Field succeeded in winning James Turrell for the Skyspace-Lech. Deeply impressed by the high mountain landscape, the artist conceptualized the Skyspace-Lech that is specifically designed for this location in the autumn of 2014.
Taking a look at physical attributes of the project, the Skyspace-Lech is equipped with a mobile or dynamic dome. On one hand, this allows for the artistic concept of the “Skyspace”, with the opening to the sky. On the other hand, in its closed state, the dome also allows for the usage of the space as a “Ganzfeldraum”. Therefore, the Skyspace-Lech is one of few lightrooms in the series in which two very important concepts of James Turrell may be experienced.
As twilight falls, the walls and the ceiling of the Skyspace-Lech are bathed in color-changing light. The sky may then be perceived as part of the room through the opening.
The dome can be closed and projected with the second artistic concept, the “Ganzfeldraum”. The perception of the viewer is then irritated and distorted. The previously illuminated room and its clear structure dissolves.
