Robert Smithson’s ‘Spiral Jetty’ Joins National Register of Historic Places

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As a long-time admirer of earth art and its ability to intertwine nature and human creativity, I am thrilled to see Robert Smithson’s iconic masterpiece, the Spiral Jetty, added to the National Park Service’s Register of Historic Places. This designation is not only an acknowledgment of its cultural significance but also a testament to its resilience in the face of time and environmental change.

The renowned earthwork sculpture by Robert Smithson titled “Spiral Jetty” has been recognized on the National Park Service’s list of historic sites, known as the Register of Historic Places. This globally-recognized masterpiece of land art will now receive additional support for its lasting protection, emphasizing its cultural and ecological significance.

The structure was built in 1970, a scant three years before Smithson passed away on Rozel Point peninsula, which borders the northeastern coast of Utah’s Great Salt Lake. Crafted with approximately 6,000 tons of black basalt rock and local soil, this 1,500-foot-long coil twists counterclockwise from the water’s edge, moving into the lake.

For more than five decades, this artwork’s themes of decay, persistence, and the intricate balance between human impact and natural powers continue to resonate strongly. The artist was fascinated by the lake’s distinctive ecosystem – its mineral-rich water, pink microbial tint, and harsh salinity. He imagined the jetty transforming over time, as fluctuating water levels covered the structure with dazzling salt crystals. Regrettably, the spiral sank below the water in 1972, but it resurfaced during the early 2000s due to extended droughts linked to climate change.

In 1999, Nancy Holt, the late Smithson’s wife and a renowned land artist, gifted the artwork to the Dia Art Foundation. The care and management of this piece is shared between the Dia Art Foundation, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Great Salt Lake Institute, and the Holt/Smithson Foundation. Additionally, Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands provides support for its preservation.

For over half a century, the Spiral Jetty has experienced periods of being underwater due to the Great Salt Lake and times when it’s been situated away from the shoreline. During this time, it has silently observed the transformations in its surrounding environment, as stated by Dia director Jessica Morgan. Adored not only in Utah but also worldwide, this artwork holds various meanings for diverse groups of people. We are honored to carry on our efforts in maintaining and advocating for the Spiral Jetty, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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2024-12-24 01:26