Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, James Turrell is a pioneering artist whose work explores the limits and wonders of human perception. A central figure in the Light and Space Movement, which emerged in Southern California during the 1960s, Turrell's art transforms light into a tangible medium, creating immersive environments that challenge the pre-established understanding of space. His interest in light began during his graduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, where he experimented with projecting light to alter spatial perceptions. Over the decades, Turrell has created iconic works such as Roden Crater, an ongoing project that transforms a volcanic cinder cone in Arizona into a celestial observatory. Turrell's fascination with light extends to his personal life as a pilot, where his time in the sky influences his art, treating the atmosphere as both studio and canvas. Unlike traditional artists who depict light through paint or sculpture, Turrell works directly with light, using openings, surfaces, and projections to craft experiences that evolve with time and the viewer's movement. His work demands patience, encouraging viewers to slow down and adjust their perceptions to fully appreciate the interplay of colour, light, and shadow. Through his partnership with Lalique, Turrell has translated these principles into crystal, making light itself tangible and inviting audiences to experience the absolute simplicity and sensuality of his vision. 

In 2022, James Turrell, the celebrated specialist of light and perception, joined forces with Lalique to create Crystal Light, a collection that redefines the relationship between light, colour, and material. This collaboration includes three striking masterpieces: two perfume bottle, Purple Sage and Range Rider, and a Decorative Panel, each crafted with Lalique's signature crystal expertise. The collection breaks from tradition Lalique designs by integrating minimalist geometric shapes and vivid, prismatic colours, elevating crystal as a medium for artistic expression. The pieces reflect Turrell's lifelong fascination with light's ability to transform spaces and create immersive experiences. As he explains,

"This ripple effect is intended to draw the viewer into an intimacy that is both opened and closed, offering a paradigm of life."

In Crystal Light, the interplay of light and form is not merely decorative; it is experimental. Really, its an invitation to engage with the works on a deeper sensory and emotional level. 

Lalique x James Turrell: Decorative Panel 

The Decorative Panel is perhaps the most emblematic piece of the Crystal Light collection, encapsulating James Turrell's signature exploration of light and space. Designed as a wall-mounted installation, this panel transforms static crystal into a living canvas for illumination. The carefully textured surface of the crystal diffuses light, creating subtle gradients and colour shifts that change throughout the day, depending on the light source and angle. This dynamic interplay aligns perfectly with Turrell's artistic philosophy, where light becomes a tangible, sculptural element. The panel's design evokes the timeless allure of minimalist art, with clean lines and an emphasis on materiality that invite prolonged observation. His captivation with celestial and spiritual themes is evident in the pieces ethereal glow. By collaborating with Lalique, Turrell harnesses the crystal's unique ability to manipulate light, creating a sensory experience that transcends traditional decorative art. The panel serves as a meditative focal point, encouraging viewers to engage with its shifting hues and textures in a manner that feels both intimate and expansive. 

Lalique x James Turrell: Purple Sage 

Purple Sage is a profound embodiment of James Turrell's artistic exploration of light, geometry, and spiritual symbolism. Inspired by the domed stupas of Asia, this perfume bottle transcends traditional design to become a sculptural object imbued with deeper meaning. The layered, rounded forms echo the sacred architecture of Buddhist temples, which are designed to connect the earthly and divine. By selecting a combination of purple, sapphire-blue, and clear crystal, Turrell amplifies the ethereal nature of the piece, as these hues resonate with tranquility and introspection. The spherical cap atop Purple Sage symbolises completeness and unity, further aligning with Turrell's fascination with celestial shapes and their spiritual connotations. Turrell's deliberate design allows the crystal to refract and diffuse illumination, changing in appearance depending on its environment, a hallmark of his exploration into perception and spatial awareness. This prismatic quality of the piece ensures it interacts dynamically with natural and artificial light, echoing Turrell's immersive installations. This collaboration with Lalique also marks a departure from conventional perfume bottles, transforming a utilitarian object into a meditative artifact. 

Lalique x James Turrell: Range Rider 

In Range Rider, Turrell adopts a strikingly angular design, diverging from the rounded softness of Purple Sage. The geometric lines and sharply pointed cap of this perfume bottle reflect a more dynamic and assertive interpretation of light and structure. Inspired by the clean, precise shapes of ancient Asian stupas, Turrell distills their architectural essence into a sleek, modern form. The angularity of the piece creates visual tension, emphasising sharp contrasts that interact with its sapphire-blue and purple hues. These colours are not only aesthetically compelling but also imbued with meaning, representing calm introspection and a mystical energy. The pointed cap of Range Rider may evoke the pinnacle of a stupa, symbolising ascension and enlightenment, while the bottle's faceted surfaces amplify its ability to refract and scatter light. Turrell's mastery of spatial awareness is evident here, as the interplay between light and material transforms the static object into a dynamic visual experience. By working with Lalique's crystal artisans, he defies the boundaries of materiality, creating a piece that feels both timeless and contemporary. Unlike Lalique's classic designs which often favour fluid, organic forms, Range Rider emphasises sharp geometry, reflecting Turrell's modernist sensibilities. This departure highlights his belief in light as a sculptural medium, with the crystal bottle acting as both a functional object and a vessel for illumination. Through its bold lines and purposeful colour palette, the piece captures Turrell's vision of light as an active, transformative force, challenging the viewer to perceive it anew.

 

To discover some more Lladró collaborations:

• Lladró x Dulk: A Fusion of Art & Conservation
• Lladró x Nichetto Studio's Soft Blown Afloat Chandelier Wins 2023 Archiproducts Prize in Lighting Category
• Láolú Senbanjo: Bringing Tribal Expressions to the World