Spiral Jetty
Environmental Art Re-Emerges After 30 Years
Melissa Cobern
Smithson's "Spiral Jetty"
Melissa Cobern
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
In 1970, New York artist Robert Smithson left the confines of a traditional art gallery and headed west to create art in the wild. He decided on the Great Salt Lake of Utah, where he created Spiral Jetty.
Smithson's piece, a 1,500-foot spiral sculpture, was hidden under the surface of the Great Salt Lake for 30 years. Due to a drought, the art piece is re-emerging, weathered by salt water and time.
Related NPR Stories
Stefanie Nagorka, Do-It-Yourself Sculptor May 24, 2003
World's Largest Sculpture Jan. 5, 2003
Art in the Wilderness: 'Rivers and Tides' April 4, 2003
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.