Visiting James Turrell’s Volcano Observatory Will Cost You $6,500 USD
Alongside other major art news this week.
It takes conviction and years of hard work to create a masterpiece. Day in and day out, legendary artist Michelangelo spent four years on a specially-designed scaffold to create his iconic painting on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Channeling the same patience and dedication as Michelangelo is renowned artist James Turrell who has finally completed his own great work inside an extinct volcano in Arizona. More precisely, his “Naked Eye Observatory” is constructed atop a 400,000-year-old crater and features a series of sprawling light installations and spacious rooms for catching celestial phenomena.
Read on to learn more about James Turrell’s “Naked Eye Observatory” alongside major art happenings this week.
Light Artist James Turrell Constructs a Massive Observatory in Arizona
Roden Crater
Tucked in the middle of the Arizona desert is an extinct volcano called the Roden Crater that is slowly being transformed into an observatory. It’s the magnum opus of acclaimed artist James Turrell who has teamed up with a group of astronomers to construct a massive establishment filled with his awe-inspiring light installations and outstretched rooms made especially for star gazing. In 2015, Turrell opened his “Naked Eye Observatory” to the public and now, after a brief hiatus, the artist is welcoming visitors back to check out a series of new artwork located in the crater’s many chambers and tunnels.
A visit to the Roden Crater will set you back a pretty penny: approximately $6,500 USD per person. The whopping cost is comprised of A $5,000 donation to Turrell’s nonprofit organization, Skystone Foundation, and an additional $1,500 for a hotel room as well as other amenities. Stay tuned for more details on the new opening and visit Roden Crater’s official website to learn more.
Rare Takashi Murakami Prints for Purchase at Kumi Contemporary in London
Kumi Contemporary
Kumi Contemporary is a gallery based in London that specializes in contemporary Japanese art. A selection of highly-sought-after prints by Takashi Murakami is currently available for purchase at the space, courtesy of high-end Japanese fashion retailer, Butikku. More precisely, the pieces spotlight Murakami’s signature Flower Ball motifs in a striking array of colors. A total of six prints are displayed at Kumi Contemporary and are currently available to preview up until December 31. Visit Kumi Contemporary’s official website to learn more.
Kumi Contemporary
13 Maddox Street
London W1S 2QG
Ross+Kramer Gallery Presents Major Works by Keith Haring & Banksy in NYC
Eddie Lee/Hypebeast
Expert art dealers Todd Kramer and Ryan Ross have recently launched a new gallery in New York City’s Upper East Side. For their first show titled “In Behalf of Causes,” the duo puts on a display of monumental paintings, drawings and sculptures created by iconic artists Keith Haring and Banksy. Collectively, the Ross+Kramer Gallery specializes in blue-chip art. For instance, works by Picasso, Warhol, Pollock, Lichtenstein, and more legendary artists that will increase in value despite the current economic conditions of the art market.
“In Behalf of Cause” is currently open to the public until January 3, 2018. For those interested in visiting the gallery, e-mail Ross+Kramer at info@rkgallery.com to make an appointment to check out the works.
Ross+Kramer Gallery
14 E. 63rd Street
New York, NY 10065
Shepard Fairey Launches His Largest Solo Exhibition in Los Angeles
Library Street Collective
Iconic visual artist Shepard Fairey has launched his largest solo exhibit at his Library Street Collective gallery in Los Angeles, California. Dubbed “Damage,” the sizable showcase features over 200 pieces from Fairey including never-before-seen paintings, large-scale sculptures, interactive installations and more. Conclusively, the exhibit marks ten years since Fairey hosted an exhibit at his hometown of LA. “Damaged” is currently open to public. Vsit Library Street Collective’s official website to learn more.
Library Street Collective
1650 Naud St
Los Angeles 90012
California
Timothy Curtis’ “Laugh Now, Laugh Later: Painted Drawings” Exhibit in Tokyo
Hidari Zingaro
New York-based artist Timothy Curtis will soon launch a new solo exhibit at Takashi Murakami’s Hidari Zingaro gallery in Tokyo, Japan. Titled “Laugh Now, Laugh Later: Painted Drawings,” the presentation will spotlight new large-scale paintings that portray Curtis’ signature abstract characters. The exhibit will be open to the public starting November 23 up until December 5. Visit Hidari Zingaro’s official website for more information.
Hidari Zingaro
5 Chome-52-15 Nakano
Tokyo 164-0001
Japan
