Some of Seattle’s best art is hidden in the most unexpected places and if you don’t know what you’re looking at, you might just miss it. This is the case with Robert Morris’ Untitled Earthwork (Johnson Pit #30) which just so happens to be tucked away in SeaTac. And while this piece has been long celebrated, it was just given an inclusion that no contemporary earthwork has ever received.

Now before we get into the inclusion, it’s important to understand just why this piece is so important. Firstly, it was created by one of America’s most prominent minimalist artists known for his sculptures, land art, Process Art, and much more. Secondly, this piece was one of the first-ever publicly-funded Land Art projects.

But what is it? The site reclaims an abandoned gravel pit and was inspired by Persian and Mogul gardens and Peruvian amphitheaters. What stands today is a series of earthen terraces planted with ryegrass, blackened tree stumps, and a stepped wooden pathway that was added in 1994 to protect the piece from erosion.

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So what happened that’s so big? Well, Johnson Pit #30 was just included in the National Register of Historic Places for “significant contribution to the broad patterns of history,” embodiment of “distinctive characteristics,” and “high artistic values.” Now if that seems confusing, it basically means that this piece of art has been deemed worth saving and preserving for future generations. This nomination will also set a precedent for others to come.

Now if you’re still thinking “all this for a dirt pit” after reading this excellent news, we recommend that you go visit the piece. You can visit it at pretty much any time and it is definitely something that needs to be experienced. If you do visit it be sure to snap some pics. You can learn more by clicking below.

Robert Morris’ Johnson Pit #30

Where: 21610 37th Place S, SeaTac, WA

 

Curiocity Staff

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