Experience the Sky Anew: A Masterpiece of Light and Perception
A Vision of Light and Perception: Introducing 'As Seen Below'
The acclaimed American artist, James Turrell, has introduced his newest monumental artwork, 'As Seen Below,' a sprawling 40-meter-wide Skyspace, now open to the public at the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum in Aarhus, Denmark. This immersive, subterranean structure, a collaborative effort with the Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen, invites visitors into a world bathed in singular hues.
Framing the Infinite: The Dome's Celestial Aperture
At the zenith of the dome, a grand six-meter-wide central opening is meticulously designed to frame and capture the ever-changing vistas of the sky above. Turrell articulates his artistic intent, stating, "In 'As Seen Below,' my focus is on shaping the viewer's experience of sight rather than presenting a conventional image." He adds, "The architectural design intimately embraces the sky, compelling you to recognize that the very act of observation is the essence of the artwork." Furthermore, he emphasizes, "Here, light transcends mere description; it embodies the very fabric of your being within the space."
A Landmark Expansion: The Museum's Evolving Landscape
The inauguration of this installation marks the culmination of the museum's extensive 4,000-square-meter expansion project, spearheaded by Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Turrell's Skyspace stands as the undisputed centerpiece of this ambitious undertaking. 'As Seen Below' is not only Turrell's 100th Skyspace but is also regarded by the museum as his most ambitious creation to date.
Seamless Integration: Connecting Art and Environment
This installation establishes a connection with the primary museum building through both an elevated outdoor exhibition area and a subterranean corridor. Emerging subtly from the museum's expansive parkland, the structure manifests as a gently undulating, grass-covered mound. Its crown features a 100-square-meter operational lid, allowing the oculus to be sealed, effectively transforming into an integrated lighting mechanism.
Architectural Immersion: Journey into the Dome
An gracefully arched concrete entrance provides ground-level access, carving an inviting pathway into the structure. Inside, the magnificent 16-meter-tall dome unfolds into a vast, open expanse. Entry is guided through strategic openings within a secondary concrete framework, which also incorporates stepped seating for visitors. The interior boasts a sophisticated palette of raw concrete and brick paving, sloping gently towards a stone-lined drainage area at the heart of the structure.
Overcoming Challenges: Crafting a Subtly Integrated Masterpiece
According to Jette Birkeskov Mogensen, a director at the studio, one of the most intricate aspects of the project involved the delicate integration of the dome's concrete and fiberglass shell into the museum's existing park. She elaborated, "Our role in this endeavor was to seamlessly weave this nearly 4,000-square-meter expansion into a public park, executing it with such finesse that it would enrich both the urban landscape and the park itself." She concluded, "Consequently, the park underwent a redesign to accommodate the dome."
Beyond the Skyspace: The Expansive 'Next Level' Project
In addition to the Skyspace, the comprehensive 'Next Level' expansion by Schmidt Hammer Lassen encompasses a subterranean gallery and an inviting lobby area. These spaces are interconnected by an illuminated underground concrete corridor, meticulously designed by the studio to create a "horizontal flow," offering a striking contrast to the verticality of the original museum architecture.
A Journey of Anticipation: The Unfolding Sensory Experience
The studio articulated the visitor journey, stating, "The experience commences with a transition from illumination to darkness beneath the earth, where the absence of natural light and the gradual descent build anticipation for the eventual encounter with light and sky, as perceived from within the dome itself." They further noted, "In this manner, architecture transcends its functional role, becoming an indispensable component of the artwork, meticulously preparing visitors for an unparalleled sensory immersion."
Turrell's Legacy: A History of Transcendent Creations
Turrell's distinguished portfolio includes previous works such as a "transcendent" Skyspace nestled within a stone-clad edifice on a forested slope in Colorado, and the installation of an illuminated skylight at a private school in New York, each testament to his enduring exploration of light and spac