JAMES TURRELL MASTER OF LIGHT
an Incident project
short film (15 min) and private presentation
late September / October 2024
Renowned as the “Master of Light,” James Turrell is an artist of unparalleled vision. As an original participant and curator of "The Incident Belluard Bollwerk" in Fribourg, 1995, Turrell’s work transcends traditional artistic boundaries. His magnum opus, the Roden Crater in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, represents over four decades of dedicated labor—a monumental system of light and time. This creation is comparable to the intricate and mystical architectures of the pyramids at Giza, Tikal, and the temples of Kailash, Angkor, and Karnak.
In these ancient structures, light serves as the transformative energy creating a heightened experience of cosmic connection. Light it seems is pulse of ancient spiritual traditions, nearing monumental constructions to provide a heightened experience in connection with the cosmos at a given moment distant stellar bodies that, in any case, have a bearing on our existence, fate, and faith. Turrell’s work channels this same energy, offering a profound, personal, and intimate relationship with the cosmos and the entirety of existence. His art invites viewers to participate in the consciousness of being, to witness the magical act of creation as it manifests in matter, crystallization, space, and time.
the importance of this project
As one looks towards James Turrell’s work at Roden Crater, there seems to be a design that is indeed as related to the grounds of what is not seen, merely perceived, available only at certain frequencies, dimensions, specific celestial alignments. The present moment is the moment of Truth, as important an instant as there ever has been, as survival of our understanding hangs on a light feathered balance.
documenting the journey
Writers, artists, and filmmakers Felix A. Bachmann and Kevin Merz have been invited by James Turrell to visit Roden Crater and its surroundings. They will delve into the artist's creative depth and vision, culminating in a 15-minute short film, a photography exhibition, and selected private and public exhibitions.
backdrop
The Incident is a creative environment that pierces transversally through unexplained phenomena carried by visionary artists, scientists and practitioners, and projected to a series of curated events, specific organic productions to various output scenarios including symposia, film, presentations and meetings, private gatherings, and public exhibitions.
comprehensive dossier link ---
The Incident is today a continuation of the original symposia held at Belluard / Bollwerk Fribourg 1995 and ICA London 1996, curated by Rob La Frenas and included visionary guests such as James Turrell, Terence Mckenna, Kathleen Rogers, Jacques Vallée, Michael Heim, H.R. Giger, Sergius Golowin, Ulrike Rosenbach, Roy Ascott, Michael Lindemann, Keiko Sei, Jeremy Narby, Kristine Stiles, Budd Hopkins, Marko Peljhan, Robert Bauval, David Peat, Eduardo Luis Luna, Pablo Amaringo, Linda Montano, Minette Lehmann and Vicki Cooper.
Currently The Incident is being expanded through specific collaborations such as Eventi Letterari Monte Verità 2025, Festival Hasard 2025, Base Camp Locarno Film Festival 2025, to concentrated thematic symposia and public gatherings, residencies and other related activities.
production
This project is a part of a series of small privately funded productions and events. This allows for agile production values and time scale, as well as the fostering of relationships with in depth thematic. The outcome of the artwork is presented in relation and consideration with private partners.
timeframe
James Turrell Master of light
production and travel to USA - late September / October 2024
post-production - October 2024
presentations to be defined as from November 2024 and into various gatherings projected for 2025.
budget outline / request *detailed budget available upon request
Roden Crater / Arizona trip -- 5'791 CHF
Post-production -- 5´400 CHF
note: post-production budget comprises only editing and finishing of audiovisual material for a 15 min. short film. Other output specifics, including the printing of photographic material or private / public presentations to be defined with funding parties.
contact
Felix A. Bachmann
+41 79 360 6579