The James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice Campus is one of the coolest and most unique experiences in Houston. Though something of a hidden gem, the installation is well-known by those in the know. What those in the know may not know, is that in Houston there’s a second “skyspace” installation by the same artist. This one, located inside a Quaker church.
Built in 2001, James Turrell’s “One Accord” is a “skyscape” installation that blends art, architecture, a connection to the cosmos. Similar to the artist’s “Twilight Epiphany” planted on Rice Campus, “One Accord” features a 12-foot aperture in the ceiling serving as the focal point. The “skyscape” is fit in a retractable roof. When enclosed, blue lights suffuse the internal space, emulating the evening night.
The idea was originally conceived by Hiriam Butler, a Houston-based art dealer, gallerist, and founder of the Hiriam Butler Gallery.
“We also have a big psychological relation to light. All or most spiritual experiences, near-death experiences, are described with a vocabulary of light,” Turrell said in an interview with art21. “So, for me, this quality to feel light exists, almost like we see it in a dream.”
“One Accord” was created in collaboration with Leslie K. Elkins, the architect of the Live Oak Friends Meeting House. According to an interview with art21, Turrell stated that much of the building process was rather slow, as many components including materials and other aspects, had to go through Elkins and the traditional Quaker process of decision-making by consensus. This process is deliberate, as it allows for deep contemplation, unity, and integrity.
James Turrell, himself, grew up as a Quaker, making “One Accord” all the more significant: “Well, for me that was kind of the meetinghouse I always wanted to see,” Turrell said in the art21 interview.
The installation is housed inside Live Oak Friends Meeting House in The Heights at 1318 West 26th Street. The Skyspace is open to the public on Friday evenings as well as the first Sunday evening of each month – either opening 30 minutes ahead of sunset. Admittance to the experience is free, though donations for maintenance purposes are appreciated.