James Turrell

Donated by Lisa and Richard A. Baker

The purchaser of this lot will receive a pre-programmed, self-contained unit comprising LED fixtures, rear projection screen, and knife-edge frame. The entire unit will measure approximately 53" tall x 69" wide x 15" deep (134.6 x 175.3 x 38.1 cm); the aperture itself will measure approximately 31 x 47 inches (78.7 x 119.4 cm). Installation will require that a general contractor set the unit seamlessly into an artist-approved location with an internal power source; if an existing wall is not deep enough to accommodate the unit, a false wall would need to be built. The buyer will also be responsible for facilitating on-site approval and final adjustments (to ambient light, etc.) by the artist's studio, including travel, lodging, and labor costs.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ignatz is an example of James Turrell's Wide Glass series, consisting of a computerized LED lightbox that is set into a wall and framed by one of the artist's classic knife-edge apertures. Closely related to the artist's Tall Glass series, Ignatz is oriented horizontally, indicating a new direction for Turrell while also recalling his important Space Division works in which an entire room is flattened into a pane of materialized light. Turrell likens the chromatic effects of his Tall and Wide Glass works to musical scores, with themes and variations emerging over time through a subtly changing veil of color.

The purchaser of this lot will receive a pre-programmed, self-contained unit comprising LED fixtures, rear projection screen, and knife-edge frame. For specific installation details and instructions, please contact the Contemporary Art department.