Final answer:
Richard Serra's, The Matter of Time, is an example of a site-specific sculpture, distinct from additive or relief sculptures due to its interaction with the environment and its design to be experienced in a specific location.
Step-by-step explanation:
Richard Serra's, The Matter of Time, is an example of a site specific sculpture. This categorization defines artwork created with a particular location in mind, where the artist considers the environment as a pivotal component of the piece. Unlike additive or relief sculptures, which involve either the building up of material or carving out from a solid block to create form, Serra’s work is designed to interact with its surroundings. This immersive experience is a characteristic of site-specific artwork, which can also be closely associated with land art and environmental art movements.
Richard Serra's notable work, often large-scale installations made from steel, reflects his background and interest in minimalism, where both form and material play a crucial role. Serra’s use of steel and his practice of rolling metal are especially significant in the context of his large, often monumental, sculptural pieces. Therefore, the answer to the student’s question is that The Matter of Time is an example of a site-specific sculpture.