Locals and visitors to Queensland are at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) this evening to celebrate the launch of Night Life 2018 by leading international light artist James Turrell (United States, b.1943).

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines said Turrell’s artwork will permanently illuminate the eastern and southern façades of GOMA with a shifting pattern of vibrant coloured light from sunset to midnight each day.

‘Tonight we experience James Turrell’s installation first-hand from the Maiwar Green and the GOMA forecourt and witness an extraordinary new addition to our cultural landscape,’ Mr Saines said.

'James Turrell is a senior contemporary artist who has worked within the creative realms of light and space for more than half a century, realising immersive and large-scale artworks that play with viewers’ perceptions.

‘We’re thrilled that our staff have been able to work so closely with the artist and his studio over many months on such a significant project, a first for Turrell and unique in terms of the many other light works he has created around the world.

‘This is a major moment for the Gallery and our audiences, as we bring to life a permanent solid light installation that is a deeply immersive field of slowly changing colour.

‘With the launch of Turrell’s work at GOMA we realise a key aspect of the architects’ original design and vision for the building.

‘James Turrell’s artworks are unique and meticulously designed to encourage a spirit of contemplation – as an artist he creates experiences with light and space that invite audiences to share a moment of reflection while in the company of others,’ he said.

Commissioned to mark the tenth anniversary of the Gallery of Modern Art, James Turrell’s installation has been achieved with generous support from the Queensland Government, Paul, Sue and Kate Taylor, the Neilson Foundation and contributions to the QAGOMA Foundation 2017 Appeal.

From 11.00am tomorrow Saturday 14 July Geraldine Kirrihi Barlow, Curatorial Manager, International Art, QAGOMA, will be in-conversation with Brant Harris, Design Consultant and Project Manager, QAGOMA to discuss the development of Turrell’s GOMA installation from concept to completion. The in-conversation is in Cinema A, GOMA.

For more information visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats‑on/exhibitions/turrell