Why rapper Drake made a surprise visit to Flagstaff
Under the vast skies of northern Arizona lies Roden Crater, the site of a colossal environmental art piece in the making by artist James Turrell.
The site north of Flagstaff is not open to the public, but entertainers and other supporters have been able to visit. Most recently, the rapper Drake took to Instagram to share glimpses of his visit to Roden Crater.
He posted a series of photos featuring himself and Turrell, captioning the images, “Came to see my member @jamesturell.”
Drake’s visit to Roden Crater came to light when TikTok user @MaimeKady posted a video of Drake disembarking from a plane, casually stating, “Drake in my little hometown of Flagstaff AZ.”
What other celebrities have visited Roden Crater?
Drake’s visit to Roden Crater sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between artists and their patrons.
In 2019, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian visited Roden Crater and reportedly donated $10 million to its construction.
Who is James Turrell?
James Turrell is an American artist whose work explores light, space and perception. Renowned for his immersive installations, he manipulates natural light within carefully crafted architectural
spaces.
Turrell’s innovative approach to using light as a medium has garnered global acclaim and his exhibitions encompass expansive environments and geometric shapes filled with radiant color.
What is Roden Crater?
Turrell is converting Roden Crater, a volcanic cinder cone, into a celestial observatory.
Roden Crater stands 580 feet tall and nearly 2 miles wide. Inside it, Turrell is building a series of tunnels and chambers to capture and channel the light.
Will Roden Crater ever open?
According to the Roden Crater website, the site remains under construction and is not open to the public. Fundraising efforts are in progress to complete the construction and eventually open.
How much does it cost to visit Roden Crater?
Since Roden Crater isn’t open to the public yet, there’s no information on how much it would cost to visit.
How long has James Turrell worked on Roden Crater?
Turrell has spent 45 years developing and building his vision for Roden Crater. He started the project in the 1970s.
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