James Turrell: The Color Inside

James Turrell's artistic medium is light—not as depicted in paintings or incorporated into sculptures, but light itself. His art invites viewers to engage in intimate, transformative experiences with light, appreciating its transcendent power. The Color Inside is the eighty-fourth Skyspace created by James Turrell and one of twelve open to the public in the United States. Each Skyspace is different and not all have light sequences at sunrise and sunset. Landmarks commissioned James Turrell to create a Skyspace in 2008. The work was funded by a capital improvement project that included the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center and the College of Liberal Arts. At the Student Activity Center, elevators or stairs take visitors to a corridor that leads to The Color Inside. At the end of a corridor, a glass door opens onto a rooftop garden. As a boardwalk leads you through the garden, you become aware of a graceful and curvilinear building resting within the garden. You enter a white, curvilinear structure to find a black basalt bench outlining the interior. The seating reclines, allowing up to 25 visitors to face an elliptical sky cutout (an oculus). While Turrell considers his art only visible during sunrise and sunset, the Skyspace is available for observation during the day. It provides a quiet, contemplative space for the campus community and visitors. Visitors are encouraged to experience The Color Inside repeatedly because changes in sunlight and weather alter the viewing experience. To visit the Skyspace for the sunset light sequence, make a free reservation at turrell.utexas.edu. Daytime visits do not require a reservation. The Skyspace remains open in the rain; it can make for spectacular viewing, but you may get wet. The Skyspace is closed during university holidays and for occasional maintenance.