We have spent billions to go to the moon - we go to this lesser satellite called the moon and say we are in space, but we are in space right now; we just don't feel ourselves to be in space. Some forms of art and some forms of spirituality do give us that sense.
In this quote, James Turrell challenges the common perception of space by suggesting that we are already in space, even though we may not perceive it. He reflects on humanity’s fascination with traveling to the moon—a relatively small satellite in the vastness of the universe—and the immense resources spent on reaching it. Turrell points out that while we often think of ourselves as separate from space, we are actually already embedded in it, as we live in the expansive environment of the universe. Our consciousness and perception are what limit our awareness of this reality.
Turrell goes on to suggest that some forms of art and spirituality are capable of giving us a deeper understanding of our connection to the vastness of space. Through these practices, we can experience a sense of being part of something much larger than ourselves, transcending the limitations of ordinary perception. Art can create immersive experiences that alter our awareness of space, allowing us to feel a sense of awe and connection to the cosmos. Similarly, certain spiritual practices can offer profound experiences that expand our perception and understanding of the universe.
By mentioning art and spirituality, Turrell highlights how both have the potential to reshape our experience of reality. While science and technology offer physical exploration of space, art and spirituality provide ways to explore it on a more subjective level. These experiences can shift our awareness, giving us a new sense of scale, interconnectedness, and belonging in the universe.
Ultimately, Turrell’s quote speaks to the power of perception—the idea that we are constantly surrounded by the infinite, yet we often fail to recognize it. Art and spirituality, through their ability to expand consciousness, offer paths to rediscover the vastness of the world and our place within it, making the invisible tangible and the limitless felt.
GDGold D.dragon
I’m intrigued by how this quote redefines space not as a place 'out there' but as a condition we're always within. It almost has a philosophical tone, like something from phenomenology. Does this mean we’re always already astronauts in a sense? If that's true, shouldn't our education and cultural systems do more to foster that perspective from childhood—maybe through more immersive, sensory, and contemplative learning?
TNNguyen Thi Thao Nguyen
I love how Turrell blends science, art, and spirituality in one statement. It makes me ask—what kind of art has actually given me that sense of being in space? Have I ever encountered a piece that shifted my awareness like that? Maybe light installations or immersive experiences are uniquely suited to bridge that gap. What forms of art have made you feel that kind of cosmic connection?
UGUser Google
Turrell’s point makes me wonder whether we’ve become too numb to the sublime. If it takes an art installation or a spiritual practice to feel 'in space,' then maybe our senses are dulled by modern life. Do you think this numbness is a result of technological saturation? Or has the pace of life just made it harder to tune into such fundamental truths?
VDVan Dang
This quote really resonates with me—how many people go through life never feeling the awe of being in space simply because it's familiar? It's wild that we have to be reminded by art or spirituality to experience what should be obvious. Why do you think humans need such reminders to feel their cosmic context? Is it a failure of imagination, or just a byproduct of routine?
HLHoang Le
I'm fascinated by the contrast Turrell draws between the moon as a destination and Earth as a location already within space. It challenges how we define exploration. Do you think our obsession with outer space is a kind of escape from the mystery of our own existence here? Could it be that we overlook the wonder of our current situation in favor of more dramatic journeys outward?