Robert Smithson: Spiral Jetty

by George Baker, Bettina Funcke

In 1970 Robert Smithson (1938-1973), one of the most innovative and provocative artists of the twentieth century, created the landmark earthwork Spiral Jetty at Rozel Point on Utah's Great Salt Lake. This dramatic and highly influential work forms a coil 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide and stretches out counterclockwise into the lake's translucent red water. Composed of black basalt rocks and earth, the sculpture comprises the materials of its mud, salt crystals, rocks, water.

The contributors to this comprehensive publication consider the sculpture in relation to its eponymous companions—a text work and a film. These essays situate this renowned series of works alongside Smithson's critical writings, proposals, drawings, sources, and models. Amply illustrated with archival and new photographs of the Jetty and many comparative illustrations, this book makes evident why Smithson's art and writings have had such a powerful impact on art and art theory for over thirty years.

Genres: Art

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2005

Reviews

[Hallie]

beautiful book, genius man. but still thinking about that aria dean tweet about how not hot he was

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Smithson's earthwork sculpture The Spiral Jetty was done in 1970. Not too long after that it was submerged as the Great Salt Lake rose throughout the 80s. Now with its reappearance, this book is especially timely, historical and memorable. Anyone interested in Smithson, the artist, filmaker, philosopher and writer will want to read this book. Beautiful photographs and detailed drawings of his plans for Spiral Jetty. For me one of the most interesting chapters is the one written about what was involved in the actual construction of the Jetty and bringing Smithson's concept to realization. This year I also took a trip out to the West Desert to see Nancy Holt's (Smithson's wife)Sun Tunnels. We are privileged to have these two iconic sculptures in Utah.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could collect beautiful books like this. I was lucky enough to get it as a gift. The essays by Smithson make the book worth it, aside from the intense catalog of photos of his work...'Cinematic Atopia' was a highlight. All in Utah should see Spiral Jetty.

[Connie]

inspiring..