NBA star Devin Booker has developed a significant connection with James Turrell’s Roden Crater, visiting the massive land art project in a dormant Arizona volcano three times since 2020. The Phoenix Suns guard has formed a mutual friendship with Turrell, who praised Booker’s artistic sensibility, while Booker credited the immersive installation with providing a sense of presence and perspective that transcends his professional basketball career.
This intersection of professional sports and high-concept land art highlights the growing influence of contemporary art among elite athletes and collectors. Booker’s engagement with Turrell’s work—which includes designing a Turrell-inspired Nike shoe and discussing the artist with fellow star Steph Curry—underscores how major contemporary artists are reaching new, high-profile audiences who find parallels between elite performance and artistic dedication.