The Art of Missing My Flight: My Day With James Turrell

I fear that me, my mother, and our pocketbooks still have not recovered from our unforgettable experience with James Turrell in December.

When I first heard that James Turrell’s "At One" exhibition was on view at Gagosian in Le Bourget, just outside of Paris, I couldn’t contain my excitement. You might recognize Turrell’s work from the stunning visuals in Drake’s Hotline Bling video—those surreal, glowing installations that seem to warp space and time. But let me tell you, nothing compares to experiencing Turrell’s works in person. This exhibition, marking the largest survey of his work in 25 years, is an absolute visual feast. I was lucky enough to be in Paris over Christmas, and there was no debating that I had to see it. Little did I know, this exhibition would end up being the highlight of my entire trip—one that would also change my travel plans in the most unexpected way.

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Now, the thing is, there was a bit of a logistical problem from the get-go. I had plans with my mother and our friend Victoire—both of whom were also in Paris with me—for a lovely pre-flight rendezvous to Gagosian before we headed to the airport to catch our international flight to Bangkok. The catch? The only time we could manage to squeeze in a visit to this groundbreaking show was, of course, the same day we were supposed to board said flight. The whole time, there was a tiny voice in the back of my head telling me it was a bad idea to go on this adventure right before a long-haul flight. I could already picture the chaos of the airport later and the stress of rushing through security. But the thought of leaving Paris without seeing Turrell’s work in person? Unthinkable. I had to see it.

Anyway, we arrived at the gallery, and from the very first moment we stepped into the space, my mind went into ~art girl mode~ (as I like to call it), and suddenly nothing else mattered. Turrell’s installations are unlike any other artwork that you’ve ever seen. His use of light is not just about illumination; it’s a complete transformation of the environment around you. The exhibition spans a range of his most iconic works—everything from early projection pieces that distort your perception of space to intricate woodblock etchings that play with light and shadow in ways you’ve never imagined. And of course, there were several brand-new installations that took my breath away and completely captivated me. There’s something deeply meditative about his works, like the world outside doesn’t exist. You’re left floating in a cocoon of color, light, and silence. Every moment felt like time was suspended. For my mother and I… that feeling was not working in our favor. Time flew by, and before we knew it, we had lost track of everything: the exhibits, the time, the fact that we had a flight to catch.

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Eventually, reality came crashing back down: our flight. But by then, it didn’t matter. We were too enamored with the exhibition to care. We missed our flight to Bangkok. There we were, standing in an art installation, a little bit late for our trip but completely content with the detour. I guess you could say that for all the planning in the world, sometimes art—real, transformational art—has a way of sweeping you up and taking you on an adventure you didn’t expect. So, we had to get on a new flight (I am so sorry mom and I love you), but I wouldn’t have changed a thing (I don’t think my mother would have either). After all, missing the flight made for a story I’ll never forget.

As for Turrell’s artistry—well, the man has achieved a level of fame that stretches far beyond the art world. His installations have graced Hollywood sets and even served as the backdrop for high-profile music videos, blending his artistry with pop culture in a way few artists have ever done. His influence is undeniable, and his reputation precedes him in the most glamorous circles. Turrell is a master of perception, using light and space to not only challenge how we see the world but to fundamentally shift our experience of it. His works are more than just installations; they’re experiences that linger long after you’ve left the room.

In the end, my impromptu adventure to Gagosian became one of the most unforgettable moments of my trip. And even though we missed our flight, the exhibition was absolutely worth the detour—no regrets at all. Hey, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t that what makes a story memorable? A missed flight for art—definitely worth it for the plot, right? It sure is to me.

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This weeks post feels so therapeutic. I feel like life has been so busy and so crazy for this past month, this felt like the perfect way to reminisce and reset. If you want a more personal debrief on how this story went down… I posted it on Tiktok. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend xoxoxo

With love,

The Art Girl