Cycle of the Sun

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More About

• Richard Elliott
• Brian Miller
• James Turrell
• Olympic Games

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If you happen by the Henry after hours, you can still appreciate James Turrell's Skypace from outside. But also, if you peer closely from the 15th Ave. overpass, you'll notice what appear to be bright, reflective beads packed into the old gallery alcoves. Cycle of the Sun comprises a series of panels that fits into each narrow aperture in the museum walls; they were created by Richard C. Elliott in 1989, reappeared 10 years later, then went back into storage. The six panels fit neatly into the sides of the 1927 building, but the west side (facing 15th) gets the best light when the sun starts setting over the Olympics. Elliott used 21,500 bicycle and truck reflectors in the work. On an overcast day, Cycle of the Sun doesn't stand out so much from the Henry's busy brickwork. When exposed to low, direct rays, however, the zig-zaggy patterns burst into color. The peak viewing hour will change with the seasons; then the work goes back into storage in January, when there's hardly any sun at all. BRIAN MILLER
April 22-Dec. 31, 2010