Art Professor to Give Way of Color Talk at Crystal Bridges Museum

Photo Submitted

The Way of Color, 2009 – Stone, concrete, stainless steel, and LED lighting, 228 by 652 inches (579.1 by 1656.1 cm). Copyright, James Turrell. Photography by Timothy Hursley

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Sam King, an art professor in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, will present the first-ever expert Way of Color talk, Thursday, April 24, 7 to 8:30 pm, at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

The Way of Color is a Skyspace, a site-specific art installation designed by world-renowned artist James Turrell. Located on the scenic hillside where the Art Trail meets the City of Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Trail, the Skyspace is a naked-eye viewing chamber that allows guests to view the sky through a round oculus in the roof.

King will discuss the connection between the Skyspace and color patterns and illusions developed by artist Josef Albers in his book, Interaction of Color.

“During the talk, I will introduce attendees to the basic principles of color, and provide several examples of color interaction,” King said. “With this knowledge, visitors to The Way of Color will better grasp the color-light effects Turrell has achieved.

 “I am pleased to have an opportunity to share his concepts with a broader audience,” King said. “Some might argue that explaining the visual principles at work in a piece like The Way of Color would eliminate the 'magic' of experiencing it, but I believe that deeper understanding tends to make for a more profound sense of wonder.”

The Skyspace is open at 5 a.m. every morning for sunrise viewings, and every evening for the sunset display.

This is a free event, with no registration required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

For more information about Turrell’s Skyspace, visit http://crystalbridges.org/trails-and-grounds/skyspace/.