Spiral jetty address12/22/2023 ![]() Again linking to the spiral nature of time. Time is cyclical like this with periods of destruction and regeneration. To me, this is highlighting the way that we destroy and then want to repair, only for someone else or another group to destroy. It cycles between these two for some time. ![]() There are times when the film flips between two clips: footage of man-made construction which is very noisy and more peaceful recordings of nature such as water lapping. The footage of the trucks driving almost becomes hypnotic, in the same way that our destruction of the Earth can at times be mindless. There are shots of a truck driving around amongst oil rigs disturbing the dust of the Earth as it does. The industrial nature of the area is a feature of the film and is shown in a few ways. There is a direct mention of this in the film when Smithson talks about the old popular local myth that the lake was connected to the ocean by a subterranean channel that was opened by a whirlpool portal. Again, this emphasises that Smithson is trying to root his Spiral Jetty in a much more ancient time, time where geological changes are continually occurring. There are also multiple images of dinosaurs and mentions of the Jurassic era through his use of the map. Spirals are closely associated with labyrinths and this idea of being able to get lost in his artwork. To me, these indicate that Smithson is pointing to the Spiral Jetty being a nod to the ancient world, of being mystical and fantastical. For example, there is a pile of books of which The Lost World by Doyle is one, as well as a book on Mazes and Labyrinths. Throughout the film, there are symbols and items that give clues as to what Smithson would like the land art to represent. It is certainly atmospheric, in an almost sinister way. ![]() It could be this idea of someone keeping time whilst others work, or it could be to highlight the industry of the area that Smithson chose for the location. This draws you into the concept of labour, industry and timekeeping. Throughout parts of the film, you hear this almost metronomic sound in the background, possibly someone using a hammer-like tool. The film itself is a piece of creative art and would tell a story without the sculpture. Before researching the background of the Spiral Jetty, I wanted to watch Smithson’s own film about his work so that I could view his movie with no preconceptions. ![]()
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