Land Art

c. 1967–1980

Land Art developed as artists moved outside traditional gallery spaces. Works were created directly in deserts, fields, and remote locations. Natural processes such as erosion and weathering became part of the artwork. The movement challenged permanence, ownership, and exhibition norms.

The Lightning Field

Walter De Maria

1977

Grid of lightning rods activating landscape, time, and perception.

Double Negative

Michael Heizer

1969

Massive land sculpture created by removing earth from a desert mesa.

Spiral Jetty

Robert Smithson

1970

Monumental earthwork constructed in the Great Salt Lake.