James Turrell: Joseph's Coat
One of the largest Skyspaces in the world, and the only one in Florida
Joseph's Coat: A Skyspace by James Turrell (2011) is a triumph of technology, engineering, and aesthetics. The Skyspace, created by internationally-renowned artist James Turrell, is a gathering place for contemplation and offers a unique experience. At sunset, a sophisticated system of LED lights is employed to change the color of the space. In doing so, the artist changes the context in which we view the sky through the 24-foot aperture in the ceiling, affecting our perception of the natural environment and the surroundings. Through the opening, viewers can observe clouds that pass, airplanes and birds, creating a tension between stillness and movement. The Ringling's 3,000-square-foot Joseph's Coat is one of the largest Skyspaces in the world, and the only such installation in Florida. It is located within the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, an open-air atrium constructed within the Marie Selby Botanical Courtyard. Joseph's Coat was unveiled to the Sarasota community during the winter solstice celebration in 2011. The sunset light program plays on select evenings; the door opens approximately 20 minutes prior to sunset. During regular museum hours, the Skyspace can be viewed without the sunset light sequence as part of general admission.
Venue
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Category
Installation ArtTag
Site SpecificStart date
May 4th, 2020
End date
September 24th, 2027
Audience Role
Museum visitors sit on a cypress bench in the open-air courtyard to view the sky through the 24-foot aperture, either during the day or at the ticketed sunset light program.
Ages: All ages
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Events
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Years on EI
About The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling is Florida's center for the arts, history, and learning. It brings the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences and welcomes roughly 400,000 visitors annually to its campus in Sarasota, Florida. The Museum of Art spans antiquity to today, with strengths in Renaissance, Baroque, Asian, and contemporary art, plus photography and studio glass. The experience extends to Ca' d'Zan, the Ringlings' 1920s bayfront estate, the Circus Museum, and 66 acres of gardens.