Roden Crater: Statement Book

1986

James Turrell

Associated Names
James Turrell

Artist, American, born 1943

Gemini G.E.L.

Publisher

This is a photograph of a document titled "RODEN CRATER STATEMENT". The image captures a page of text that discusses Roden Crater, which is located northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, on the eastern edge of the San Francisco volcanic plateau. The document describes Roden Crater as a site with significant geological and aesthetic value, noting its position amidst the Painted Desert and the San Francisco volcanic field. The text explains the geological history of Roden Crater, including its formation from volcanic eruptions over 600,000 to 175,000 years ago, and its present two-tone appearance due to different colored tephra. Furthermore, the statement details the Roden Crater Project led by Turrell, emphasizing the transformation of the site into an observatory for sky and light, blending natural and intellectual elements. This photograph allows viewers to read and understand the significance of Roden Crater both as a natural wonder and an artistic endeavor.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bound photomechanical reproductions on paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Gemini G.E.L. and the Artist

  • Dimensions

    overall (closed): 27.94 × 21.59 × 0.64 cm (11 × 8 1/2 × 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.74.14.12

Associated Artworks

See all 12 artworks

Roden Crater: Box, Model, and Aerial Photograph

James Turrell, Jack Brogan, Gemini G.E.L.

1986

This is a photograph of an open wooden box containing dark sand or soil, with a black-and-white image inside the lid. The box is made of polished dark wood, with a top lid that is propped open revealing an image. Inside the main compartment, there is a layer of brown, uneven sand or soil surface. Below the main compartment, a drawer is partially open, revealing a document or card with visible text "RODEN CRATER". The construction of the box features brass hinges and a clasp. The photograph captures a detailed assemblage against a light background.

Roden Crater

James Turrell, Jack Brogan, Douglas Parker, John Coy, Craig Adcock, Ajax Daniels, Mari Andrews, Mari Andrews, Gemini G.E.L.

1986

The image shows a landscape with a volcanic cinder cone dominating the view. The horizon is defined by the upper edge of the cone, stretching from left to right. Dry desert vegetation in brown, beige, and muted greens fills the lower part of the image. In the distance, the cone's slope shows variations in color from dark brown at the base to reddish-brown near the summit. The sky is blue with scattered clouds. The scene features a rich color palette highlighting the natural beauty of the volcanic region.

Roden Crater: Color Photograph

James Turrell, Elmi Graphics, Gemini G.E.L.

1986

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, California; acquired 2001 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1966

  • Gemini G.E.L. Sequence List. Los Angeles, California: Gemini G.E.L., unpublished, no. 1437.

2011

  • Ritchie, Charles. Gemini G.E.L. Online Catalogue Raisonné. Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art, 2011, no. 53.1. http://www.nga.gov/gemini

Inscriptions

F

Wikidata ID

Q64155554

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