Sunday, January 20, 2008

Turrell Skyspace

Deserted walkway to the Turrell Skyspace


At the exterior of the Turrell Skyspace's narrow pathway


Looking into the skyspace from its entrance. Notice the opening at the top.


Looking at the entrance from the skyspace's interior.


Seats for the audience.


The photos above were taken at the San Francisco DeYoung Museum's Turrell Skyspace. It was a hidden area off to the side of the museum's garden. To get there, I had to walk through a deserted walkway (1st photo). At the end of the walkway, I encountered a circular inner wall and a circular outer wall with a narrow circular pathway in-between all the way around the structure (2nd photo). Next, you will see the interior of the skyspace with a one-piece curved cement bench (photos 3-5).



What could this Turrell Skyspace be used for? Perhaps a location to celebrate one's solitude, look into the sky from a seated position, or enjoy a unique audio performance from anyone who is willing to play. Watch one such performance on a YouTube video above.

Have you heard of the Turrell Skyspace? Here's a summary of what I found on the internet about James Turrell, the artist. A James Turrell skyspace is an enclosed room large enough for roughly 15 people. Inside, the viewers sit on benches along the edge to view the sky through an opening in the roof.

- AV

18 comments:

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

That is unique...I bet sitting there at night, looking up into the night sky filled with stars would be cool.

dot said...

Gosh, that is the strangest place! So not many go there? How did you arrange the concert just for you? lol. It appears to be a huge place but I guess it isn't that big. I think I might feel claustophobic in there. REally interesting post!

AVCr8teur said...

Dana, I think Turrell's goal was also to have moonlight shine through the roof for reflections on the walls.

AVCr8teur said...

Dot, I thought it was an odd place too. Apparently there are more than one of these around the world. So one could be at your neighborhood museum.

No, that was not a concert just for me. :D I just happened to find a video on YouTube with a musician playing inside this same skyspace structure.

Andrea said...

Great shots. Looks very interesting. I would love to visit there.....but.......

AVCr8teur said...

Andrea, the skyspace is very small so I think you've just seen most of it from my pictures. :) I just saved you a trip.

Oswegan said...

Looks like a cool place to go on a clear night.

AVCr8teur said...

Oswegan, the place is a little spooky even during the day. Gonna have to make sure you bring candles and flashlights.

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

Very, very interesting place. The second photo is wonderful. Love the colors and the shapes.

AVCr8teur said...

Thanks Fenix. I appreciate your comments as usual. It was a mysterious place. Glad I was able to enlighten others with what I saw.

Rune Eide said...

Very interesting construction and a fantastic sound - thank you for the view!

Scott said...

You have an amazing eye for composition, and this architecture is the perfect subject. Really wonderful work!

NYCindividual said...

I've never been to the De Young Museum. It looks interesting from the outside, but I'm not sure if I would enjoy the museum itself. It's an Asian art museum right? Anyway, these pics have me intrigued. I went to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory last weekend, next time I go I'll have to go to the museum. I also want to go to the botanical gardens. Do you know if they are any good. I've been to NYBG and to Fioli Gardens.

By the way, the pics ofthe cows with huge horns were taken somewhere between Oakdale and Sonora. I enjoy taking rides out in the country sometimes and just spending days near the lakes.

AVCr8teur said...

Runee, glad you like the quick tour of a local attraction. The horn does have a good accoustical sound in that enclosed space.

AVCr8teur said...

Thank you Scott for your compliments!

AVCr8teur said...

NYCIndividual, the Asian Art Museum has moved to Civic Center area. The deYoung has all kinds of art and not specific to Asia.

It cost $10 to go in and you can use the same admission ticket to go to the Palace of Fine Arts on the same day. Unfortunately, I ran late last time and missed it. There is a tower at the de Young that I think you would like and admission is FREE! I have more pictures of the de Young coming up soon on my posts.

Kate said...

What an interesting series of photos showing geometric shapes and colours.

AVCr8teur said...

Thanks Kate, I was lucky there weren't too many people around so I could take these photos without any interference. :)