In everyday life, people often believe that they receive everything as it appears to them from their surroundings, including the beautiful hues we see in the sky. However, the quote suggests a different perspective: instead of receiving colors passively, we actively contribute to perceiving and experiencing these vibrant shades by engaging with our environment.
On a deeper level, this statement challenges our understanding of perception and reality. It implies that much of what we consider as received or given is actually created through our own consciousness and interaction with the world around us. This idea can be extended beyond visual perceptions like sky colors to include other sensory experiences and even abstract concepts such as happiness, sorrow, or love. By actively engaging with these elements and giving them meaning, we shape how they affect us in profound ways.
James Turrell is an American artist known for his work that explores the interplay between light and space, often challenging traditional notions of sculpture and painting. His quote reflects his artistic philosophy and his belief in the active role perception plays in our experience of reality. Through installations like sky spaces, he invites viewers to reconsider how they see and interact with their environment, aligning closely with this insightful statement about the nature of perception.
