Systematic Landscapes

by Maya Lin, John Beardsley (Contributor), Richard Andrews (Contributor)

"Utilizing the way in which scientists and computers see our world, drawing on images based on sonar views of the ocean floor, to aerial and satellite views of the land, I have started to create artworks that translate that technological view into sculptural forms." —Maya Lin

One of the most celebrated artists working in the United States, Maya Lin (b. 1959) came to prominence in 1981 with her design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Generously illustrated and beautifully designed, Systematic Landscapes traces her continued fascination with geologic phenomena and topography, integrating natural contours and materials into evocative landscape sculptures such as Character of a Hill Under Glass (2002) and 11 Minute Line (2004).

As the book reveals, Lin’s earthworks and public sculptures have always developed alongside small-scale, exploratory sculptures and monumental temporary installations, such as Avalanche (1998), through which Lin evokes the physical processes that shape the earth. This important volume also introduces three major new installation works created for the Systematic Landscapes exhibition, along with a series of related drawings and reliefs demonstrating the expanding scope of Lin’s creative process. The largest of these installations, 2 x 4 Landscape, is composed from more than 45,000 sections of lumber placed on end that from a distance take on a pixel-like image of a hill, and close up create a form that evokes both mound and wave, earth and water.

Systematic Landscapes is of interest to newcomers to Maya Lin's work as well as to longtime enthusiasts of her unique artistic creations and stunning design work.

Genres: Art, Architecture

112 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2006

About the author

Maya Ying Lin (Chinese name 林璎, born October 5, 1959) is an American designer and artist who is known for her work in sculpture and landscape art. She came to fame as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say this knowing the sentiment is so overused it no longer means what it is meant to, but it's the only way to capture my opinion of Maya Lin's body of work: Maya Lin is a genius.

[Dani Shuping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maya Lin has always been one of my favorite artists, just the way that she views the world and translates it into her artwork. So I was extremely excited to see this latest book on her current interests, translating landscapes based upon sonar and aerial images into sculptural forms. And I continue to be amazed by her work. She's able to work in so many different mediums from wood to stone to line art, to capture the world around her and let us see it in a way that we've never thought of before. This book is packed with absolutely beautiful photographs from all different angles of the sculptures and show just how much Lin has progressed in her style. There are almost rhythmic motions to some of the sculptures as they capture the rise and fall of the landscape.

I highly recommend this book to any fans of Maya Lin or sculpture or of art in general. Must have for all collections.

[C.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Lin's work never fails to disappoint. She's remained one of the true, consistent visionaries of her generation. This catalogue is worth it for the magnificent "2 x 4 (Landscape)" alone (partially visible on the cover).

[Cindy Herdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wanted to see some of Maya's other works. I love the library project. Also, watched her movie - A Stong Clear Vision. She is currently doing a 5 piece project on the Columbia River in Washington State.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another artist I love and want to research more. Her ideas are simple, her forms are stellar and thought provoking.