On February 26th from 5:30 - 6:30pm in the Conversation Room, Tutor Stella Zhu will lead us in a group discussion of Robert Smithson's essay A Sedimentation of the Mind: Earth Projects. 

Here is what Ms. Zhu had to say about how this essay relates to /m's current show "Nature's Readymades" and what the seminar's aim will be.

"Known for his monumental-scaled sculptures (some stretching over hundreds of meters), American artist Robert Smithson’s work transcends traditional categories of art and challenges us to reconsider what it is to be an artist.

As his writings make abundantly clear, Smithson treats his medium—earth, rocks, sediments—as something more than inert material. In this regard, his work shares certain resonances with the Chinese tradition of scholars’ rocks.

But while the scholars’ rocks invite contemplation of natural harmony, Smithson is skeptical of aesthetic ideals. Why is it, then, that the thinking mind should turn to nature? What happens in looking? What can be gained from looking?

Together we will discuss his 1968 essay A Sedimentation of the Mind: Earth Projects and inquire into the relationship between thought and matter, and its implication for art."

To sign up for this seminar and receive a PDF of the reading, send us a message at mitchellartmuseum@sjc.edu. Thank you!