Light and Space

Light and Space denotes a loosely affiliated art movement related to op art, minimalism and geometric abstraction originating in Southern California in the 1960s and influenced by John McLaughlin. It was characterized by a focus on perceptual phenomena, such as light, volume and scale, and the use of materials such as glass, neon, fluorescent lights, resin and cast acrylic, often forming installations conditioned by the work's surroundings. Whether by directing the flow of natural light, embedding artificial light within objects or architecture, or by playing with light through the use of transparent, translucent or reflective materials, Light and Space artists made the spectator’s experience of light and other sensory phenomena under specific conditions the focus of their work. They were incorporating into their work the latest technologies of the Southern California-based engineering and aerospace industries to their develop sensuous, light-filled objects. Turrell, who has spread the movement worldwide, summed up its philosophy in saying, "We eat light, drink it in through our skins."

The nature of the works was reflected in the title of the exhibition at UCLA which introduced the emerging movement in 1971: "Transparency, Reflection, Light, Space: Four Artists". The show presented the work of Peter Alexander, Larry Bell, Robert Irwin, and Craig Kauffman. Other artists associated with the movement are Ron Cooper, Mary Corse, John McCracken, Bruce Nauman, Maria Nordman, Eric Orr, Helen Pashgian, James Turrell, DeWain Valentine, and Doug Wheeler. A famous group of abstract color theory artists were influenced by the Light and Space Movement, notably: Frederick Spratt,Phil Sims, Anne Appleby, and David Simpson. Notable contemporary artists practicing in the Light and Space Movement include Olafur Eliasson, Ann Veronica Janssens, Jennifer Steinkamp, Gisela Colon,Sophia Collier and Todd Williamson.

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