Ivory Granite Line, 2016

Basel 2018
Ivory Granite Line

Lisson Gallery

Sculpture
Granite stones
120.0 x 35.0 x 890.0 (厘米)
47.2 x 13.8 x 350.4 (吋)
Ivory Granite Line by Richard Long evokes horizon lines, manmade trails, ancient boundary lines and geographical borders. Formed of closely situated but unevenly shaped rocks, meaning that the density is uniform even while the raw components are not, the work changes each time the organic objects are arranged, according to the artist’s instruction and placement. While this work is made of granite sourced from a quarry in Spain, stone in all its guises remains one of Long’s preferred materials, he explains: ‘It’s enough to use stones as stones, for what they are. I’m a realist.’ By bringing in raw matter from the outside world – asserting an alternately ancient and contemporary relationship to the land, redolent of prehistoric monuments and current environmental concerns alike – Long is also referencing his own journeys all over the planet. It is now over 50 years since his photograph of the trail left by his feet in grass, A Line Made by Walking (1967), and whether creating temporary, in situ interventions in the wilderness with materials at hand – dust, snow, and water – or more permanent works inside – using sticks, stones, or mud – Long’s engagement is always in harmony with nature and the landscape.