08.02 Outside the Gallery
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210
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Arts Humanities
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by VitoG3032
Christian Grieco
08.02 Outside the Gallery
Art History and Criticism
Essentials.
Description of the artwork's subject and style.
The artwork is the "Spiral Jetty" created by Robert Smithson in 1970. It is a large-scale earthwork sculpture located in the Great Salt Lake, Utah. The style of the artwork is land art or earthworks, a movement that emerged in the late 1960s and involved artists using the
natural environment as their canvas.
Identification of at least five elements of art or principles of design.
Line:
The spiral form of the jetty creates dynamic and flowing lines.
Shape:
The spiral shape creates a distinctive form within the natural landscape.
Texture:
The rough and uneven texture of the rocks and mud used in the construction of the jetty contrasts with the smooth surface of the water.
Color:
The color palette is dominated by the earthy tones of the rocks and mud, set against the blue hues of the surrounding water and sky.
Scale:
The sheer size of the Spiral Jetty, stretching over 1,500 feet in length, contributes to its impact on the viewer.
Production.
How the artwork was created.
Discussion of the work's title and creator.
The artwork is titled "Spiral Jetty" and was created by Robert Smithson, a prominent figure in the land art movement.
Description of when and where it was created, the medium used, and its dimensions.
The Spiral Jetty was created in 1970 in the Great Salt Lake, Utah. The medium used is primarily natural materials found on-site, including rocks, dirt, and mud. Its dimensions are substantial, with the spiral extending over 1,500 feet into the lake.
Investigate.
The context.
Discussion of what was happening in the world or the artist's life when it was made.
The creation of the Spiral Jetty coincided with the environmental awareness of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Smithson's work was influenced by the countercultural movements
of the time and a desire to break away from traditional art spaces.
Description of why the artwork was made.
The Spiral Jetty was created as an examination of the relationship between art and nature. It was a reaction against the confines of traditional gallery spaces, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art and the environment.
Explanation of how it is displayed and its impact on the audience.
The artwork is located in a remote area, and its accessibility can vary depending on the water levels of the Great Salt Lake. Its impact on the audience lies in the immersive experience of interacting with a monumental earthwork in a natural setting, challenging conventional notions of art display.
Communicate.
The message the artist shares.
Discussion of the artwork's purpose.
The Spiral Jetty serves as a commentary on the ephemeral nature of art, the relationship between art and the environment, and the limitations of traditional art spaces. It invites contemplation on the cyclical and interconnected aspects of natural processes.
Use of formal and contextual evidence to explain a credible meaning.
Smithson himself described the Spiral Jetty as a "dialectical landscape" that engages with geological time and environmental transformations. The artwork encourages viewers to reflect on the transitory and evolving nature of both art and the natural world.
Explanation:
The artwork in question is Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty," a monumental earthwork sculpture created in 1970. The style of the piece aligns with the land art or earthworks movement that emerged in the late 1960s, emphasizing artists' use of the natural environment as their canvas. In "Spiral Jetty," Smithson crafted a dynamic and flowing spiral shape, employing elements such as line, shape, texture, color, and scale to create a visually striking and immersive experience within the Great Salt Lake, Utah.
The production of the artwork involves the use of natural materials found on-site, including rocks, dirt, and mud, contributing to its earthy tones and rough texture. Its title, "Spiral Jetty," succinctly captures the essence of the piece, emphasizing the spiral form that stretches over 1,500 feet into the lake. The dimensions and location of the artwork, along with the temporality of its accessibility due to changing water levels, further contribute to its uniqueness and impact on the audience.
In investigating the context, the artwork aligns with the environmental awareness of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Smithson's creation of the Spiral Jetty was a response to the countercultural movements of the time, reflecting a desire to break away from traditional art spaces and explore the interconnectedness of art and the environment. The immersive
experience of interacting with the monumental earthwork challenges conventional notions of art display, enhancing its impact on the audience.
The artist's message in "Spiral Jetty" revolves around the ephemeral nature of art and its relationship with the environment. Smithson aimed to provoke contemplation on geological time, environmental transformations, and the limitations of traditional art spaces. Utilizing both formal elements and contextual evidence, the Spiral Jetty encourages viewers to reflect on the cyclical and interconnected aspects of natural processes, underlining the broader significance of land art in challenging established artistic norms.
References:
Holt/Smithson Foundation Website.
Link: Holt/Smithson Foundation - Spiral Jetty
Smarthistory.
Link: Robert Smithson, Spiral Jett
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