This area of the lake (north arm) was separated from the freshwater sources when the causeway was built in the area in 1959 by the Southern Pacific Railroad 1. The red color of the water is caused by algae and bacteria that thrive under a salty environment, especially the lake’s 27% salinity. Smithson chose the location because of the blood-red hue of the lake water and its association with the primordial sea. Along with the tiny bacteria and other factors that give the lake its bizarre color. It turned out that the red color of the lake’s water is one of the primary factors that attracted Smithson to the site. Smithson also researched the history and fluctuating levels of the Great Salt Lake, alongside information on Utah’s culture and sites of interest. He gathered articles, brochures, maps, clippings of the location of the project and surrounding oil fields. Smithson conducted extensive research when creating Spiral Jetty. Robert Smithson – Spiral Jetty, 1970, Rozel Point, Great Salt Lake, Utah, 4,6 m x 460 m if unwound (15 x 1,500 if unwound foot) black basalt rock, salt crystals, earth, water, photo: CC BY 2.0 by Retis How Smithson picked the location The work was donated in 1999 to the Dia Art Foundation.

It comprises mud, crystals, salt, and basalt rocks, expanding some 1500 feet long (460 meters) and 15 feet wide (4.6 meters), forming a counterclockwise coil protruding from the lake’s coastline. The project is located on the northeastern coast of the Great Salt Lake, close to Rozel Point in Utah. When Spiral Jetty re-emerged from the waters, it has remained visible since, but due to its proximity to the lake, it is sometimes submerged depending on the water levels. It was again submerged by the rising water levels shortly after that until 2002. It remained under the water until the summer of 1993 when the water levels started to drop until 1995 when the piece became fully visible. It was also submerged by the increasing levels of water of the lake after completion. People have wanted to destroy the project and put the land on which it lies into a different use. Shortly after the Spiral Jetty was constructed in 1970, it faced various challenges. Spiral Jetty is one of the most well-known earthwork sculptures, as well as the most famous and influential work by sculptor Robert Smithson. Last updated: JRobert Smithson – Spiral Jetty, 1970, Rozel Point, Great Salt Lake, Utah, 4,6 m x 460 m if unwound (15 x 1,500 if unwound foot) black basalt rock, salt crystals, earth, water, photo: CC BY 2.0 by Retis What is it?

Robert smithson spiral jetty 1970