Abstract:
Light has been an important element in the world since ancient civilizations. The sanctity of light and sun is one of the most ancient and persistent themes within sacred art and architecture – a concept associated with the cultural structures and rituals of Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids, as well as both Mayan and Aztec civilizations. People in ancient times worshipped the sun a lot, reflecting their ancient thoughts that the sun had immortal power over human mortality. They needed to find a way to revere the power that they believed came from their gods. Light has a particular materiality, in connecting human life to the touch of an unknown field. Within mankind’s ancient cultures, the sun had been given an extraordinary position. It is possible that social leaders in that period used their knowledge of the seasons to maintain their own power and status over those people of lower classes. Such political and religious agendas may have given Man the understanding of his appropriate place in relation to the universe and the creator or God. People were convinced that their commitment to worshiping the sun was the proper way to build a direct relationship between both them and the creator. In the Christian tradition, light is also indispensable. In Genesis 1: 3 it reads “And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.’’1 Light was an integral component to creation in the Christian world. This same concept of light illuminating is prominent in religious architecture. Stained glass windows are an important device in churches and cathedrals. The function of stained glass is not only showing people the beauty of light but also reminds the believer that the power of light comes from their God, so their lives cannot be without God or light. The importance of light is not only apparent in ancient art, but also appears in minimalism and post minimalism earth art. Sunlight, space and human beings have been involved together in combination for millennium. Also, if we look at history, Mankind's interest in working with visual phenomena of sunlight and space has continued since early civilization. During past decades up until now, contemporary artists have used and are using light to create their artworks. This provides the viewer with an immersive experience of the power of light. James Turrell’s monumental The Roden Crater Project2 and Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels3 are both good examples of this. Contemporary artists are using artwork to create a unique worship-space for the viewer to understand the power of light. For Turrell’s The Roden Crater Project, the power of light is manifested by the architecture and sun, bringing the light of the heavens down to Earth, linking viewers with the celestial movements of planets, stars and distant galaxies. Both light and space have been perfectly used in this monumental art project. I think Turrell was influenced by the design of the architecture to enhance his visual perception in this project. I also believe that Turrell explored and understood the Ancient’s treasure. As Turrell says “I admire Borobudur, Angkor Wat, Pagan, Machu Picchu, the Mayan pyramids, the Egyptian pyramids, Herodium, Old Sarum, Newgrange and the Maes Howe. These places and structures have certainly influenced my thinking. These thoughts will find concurrence in Roden Crater.”4 New York critic Calvin Tompkins writes about Turrell’s work “His work is not about light, or a record of light; it is light - the physical presence of light made manifest in sensory form.”5 The function of the work is using light and space to engage the viewer within the limits and wonder of human perception. Light is not only important to me but also important to human beings. Without light, we would be in darkness.