This artwork is called “End Around” (Turrell, 2006) by James Turrell, it is an installation piece created for audience participation. There is no focus point for this installation, as Turrell is not interested in objects or form, only space. The installation consists simply of blue light, which is produced by LED behind a smoked screen, this obstructs the beams from penetrating fully, therefore the light dissipates into a strong consistent blue light. The light burns around the room, filling the space with a powerful glow of blue light, submerging the room in an unusual and disorientating environment. The perception of space and dimensionality are entangled and unclear, as the recognition of where the floor ends, and the walls start are blurred. It is curious that light is the main physicality to the installation as light is such a mundane object, we use it every day to see, however, in “End Around” (Turrell, 2006) the light is used to cover and paint the surroundings. This in turn hides the structure and leaves the viewers disorientated. When the participants enter the space, they are welcomed by a warm blanket of light which coats them, the unusual surroundings in comparison with the light coating them makes the installation an escape from reality, as the space surrounding the viewer is so unique.
One psychological aspects to “End Around” (Turrell, 2006) could be how the work is an escape from reality, the surroundings create an out of body experience for the viewer as the installation is so unique, it is not an experience someone could get in their everyday life. As the installation is so different from normality the viewers forget their own reality. They get so immersed within the work, they overlook their own life problems, as Claire Bishop states in her book Participation (Bishop, 2006) viewers who are not affected by prejudice would be able to determine their own reality within the installation. (Bishop, 2006, p.12) The installation brings the viewer some time to reflect and to absorb how the installation makes them feel, as they are no constraints within the boundaries of the installation compared with ordinary life. Thus, this makes the viewer explore their surroundings with a refreshing outlook and fully immerse themselves within the installation, therefore, they can get more of a feeling for the work. Making not only the installation memorable to the viewer, but the experience of their time with the space, as their memories and how the work made them feel can change their perception of themselves and the world around them. This experience of the work and how it makes the viewer feel is why this installation has psychological benefits for the participant.
Another psychological aspects to “End Around” (Turrell, 2006) could be how the installation makes the participant feel, as they could feel empowered by being in the installation. Bishop uses the phrase activation, she explains this to be the need to create an experience for the viewer, which will consequently make them feel empowered by the physical participation. (Bishop, pg.12) The empowerment can be seen in “End Around” (Turrell, 2006) by the viewers participation within the work, exploring the space around them and examining the installation with inquisitive eyes. As in installations the viewers have to move around the space too experience the work, they are given a role to contribute and get physically involved in the piece, this consequently makes the viewer feel empowered. The viewers bodies within the work convey a sense of belongingness as they reflect their own participation within the installation. Their bodies brand the work and its surroundings with their presence, therefore, making the viewer feel involved within the work. This effects the viewer as rather than just viewing the artwork, they are invited to participate making them feel a part of something, like a community. The viewers participation within the work is essential, as the installation revolves around the viewer, relying on the participation to add that extra element to the work. This means the viewers contribute to the final outcome of the installation as their bodies add a physicality towards the work. This gives the participants some control over their surroundings that they might not have in daily life, consequently making them feel empowered.
Bibliography.
Bishop, C. (2006). Participation. London, MIT press.
Illustrations.
Turrell, J. (2006) End Around. [Internet]. Available from https://jamesturrell.com/work/end-around/ [Accessed 28th February 2021].