Answer:
Smithson's intent in creating Spiral Jetty, a land art installation located in the Great Salt Lake in Utah, can be understood through two aspects:
Interaction with natural environment: Smithson intended for Spiral Jetty to interact with the natural environment in a dynamic way. The artwork, which consists of a 1,500-foot-long coil of rocks and earth forming a spiral shape that extends into the lake, is exposed or submerged depending on the water level of the lake, tides, and other environmental factors. Smithson intended for Spiral Jetty to be shaped and transformed by the natural elements, such as water, salt crystals, and weathering, which would create an evolving and changing artwork that is in constant dialogue with its surroundings.
Exploration of geologic time: Smithson was interested in exploring the concept of geologic time and the vastness of geological processes in creating Spiral Jetty. The use of rocks and earth, which are ancient materials that have been shaped and transformed over millions of years, and the creation of a large-scale landform that spans across the landscape, invites contemplation of the immense time scales of geological formations and the idea of deep time, which refers to the geological time frame that is beyond the human scale of comprehension.
In contrast, Bill Viola, a contemporary video artist, addresses the element of time in his artworks in a different way. Viola is known for his immersive video installations that often deal with themes of human consciousness, spirituality, and existential questions. Viola's approach to time in his artworks can be compared to Smithson's intent in creating Spiral Jetty in the following ways:
Manipulation of time: Viola uses video as a medium to manipulate and control time in his artworks. He often slows down or elongates time in his videos, creating a sense of meditative or contemplative experience for the viewers. Viola's use of slow-motion, time-lapse, and other video techniques allows him to create a unique temporal experience that transcends the linear perception of time, challenging the viewers' perception of time and reality.
Exploration of subjective time: Viola's artworks often explore the subjective experience of time, including the perception of time in moments of intense emotion, states of consciousness, or near-death experiences. He often portrays the human experience of time as a fluid, subjective, and multi-layered phenomenon, rather than a linear, chronological progression. Viola's artworks invite the viewers to reflect on the complex and multifaceted nature of time and how it is perceived and experienced by individuals.
Overall, while Smithson's intent in creating Spiral Jetty involves the interaction with the natural environment and the exploration of geologic time, Viola's approach to time in his artworks focuses on the manipulation of time through video techniques and the exploration of subjective time. Both artists offer unique perspectives on the concept of time in their respective artworks, challenging traditional notions of time and inviting viewers to reflect on its complexity and subjective nature.
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