Untitled

1984

James Turrell

Associated Names
James Turrell

Artist, American, born 1943

Peter Kneubühler

Printer, Swiss, 1944 - 1999

Mario Diacono

Author, Italian

Chuck Endo

Cabinetmaker, American

The image displays abstract geometric shapes with a large dark semicircle on the right, intersected by a horizontal white line. On the left side, overlapping trapezoids in gradient shades of gray form a staircase or fan-like pattern. The design suggests a distant landscape or industrial structure with a void space above, characterized by smooth transitions and subtle contrasts. The symmetry and simplicity of forms create balance and intrigue, guiding the viewer's gaze.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    aquatint in black on BFK Rives paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Collectors Committee

  • Dimensions

    image: 32.1 x 49.4 cm (12 5/8 x 19 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 53.7 x 68.7 cm (21 1/8 x 27 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1996.76.1.5

  • Series Title

    Deep Sky: pl. 5

Associated Artworks

See all 7 artworks
The image shows a vast dark landscape at night. A large triangular dark form dominates the composition, resembling a hill or mountain. The horizon line is not distinct as it merges with the dark mass, giving the illusion of the terrain reaching the sky. The brushwork is smooth and uniform, creating a solid opaque look for the mountain and surrounding darkness. The color palette is monochrome, mainly deep blacks and slight grays, with some faint bright spots resembling stars in the sky.

Untitled

James Turrell, Peter Kneubühler, Mario Diacono, Chuck Endo

1984

This is a photograph of a rectangular wooden panel with text. The panel features a natural wooden texture with vertical grain patterns in warm brown. At the bottom of the panel, there are words printed in a black, modern font: "JAMES TURRELL" on the left and "DEEP SKY" on the right. The bottom right corner contains the words "PETER BLUM EDITION" in smaller text.

Deep Sky

James Turrell, Peter Kneubühler, Mario Diacono, Chuck Endo

1984

The image shows concentric arch-like shapes forming a gradient from dark to light, converging towards the center. The design suggests an abstract horizon or sunrise. The shapes resemble a tunnel or portal, with the gradient resembling layers of an eggshell or tree rings. The scene is bordered by a dark rectangular frame, adding depth to the depiction. The symmetrical arrangement may evoke looking through a telescope or a stage curtain parting to reveal a bright focal point.

Untitled

James Turrell, Peter Kneubühler, Mario Diacono, Chuck Endo

1984

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joshua P. Smith, Washington, DC; purchased 1996 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1985

  • Ratcliff, Carter. "James Turrell's Deep Sky." The Print Collector's Newsletter Vol. XVI No. 2 (1985): 45-47.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: VIII/X; lower right in graphite: James A. Turrell

Watermarks

BFK RIVES

Wikidata ID

Q75400724

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