Spiral Jetty Analysis

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1. Spiral Jetty was created by Robert Smithson in Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1970 from earthwork.
2. The Spiral Jetty is arranged into a spiral shape along the water of the Great Salt Lake. The emphasis of the earthwork draws the viewer into the center of the shape along the spiral, as this part is larger and more filled. The work is arranged in a unified pattern, especially as the textures and colors are all the same throughout the shape. The core of the spiral, as the largest part of the work, has an increased proportion, but it is still within scale.
3. This type of context is natural because the art is created and seen in the environment. The natural landscape around the work is an essential part of understanding its aesthetic. This context
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The importance of context in this work is that it literally cannot be perceived out of its context. As it is built on land, it cannot be removed and transported around the world into some other context or museum. Therefore, the work can be viewed only in photographs or in person in Utah. Therefore, the context is important because it requires people to physically be with nature in its intended context in order to receive the full impact of the earthwork.
5. The purpose of this work is to decorate the environment, drawing attention to some of its natural features. As Robert Smithson stated in his essay, the work is reminiscent of the Earth and its environment, including earthquakes. However, even amongst these aggressive forms of weather, the piece maintains harmony with its surroundings.
6. I think that the art does achieve its purpose. It is a contrast from the environment around it, but reminds people of the power of the environment. Its remote context is also a staple component of its interpretation because it signifies that the environment is something powerful and beautiful
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This is an urban context because the project was installed in a large city in the middle of downtown. Additionally, it had the context of the social, political, and economic considerations of the city, its citizens, and its representatives. Therefore, this work can be found in an urban context.
4. The importance of context is that this work could only be found in New York City, except for photographs and drawings. It informs the surrounding area, but the context also influenced the work itself. The context is important because it is a physical installation, meaning that it was created for this place only.
5. The purpose of this work is to draw attention to the beauty of the city, serving as a decorative piece. As stated by Christo and Jean-Claude, the gates were planned as reference to the grid of city streets and the loose fabric as the curved walkways and trees. Therefore, by paralleling the urban architecture, they could illuminate some of its most poignant

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