Gordon Matta-Clark
Splitting, 1974
Vintage silver print
8 x 10 inches
With Matta's credit, title, and date verso.
With Matta's credit, title, and date verso.
In 1971, the pioneering artist Gordon Matta-Clark began a series of “Cuttings” in which he opened up abandoned buildings by segmenting their walls and floors - revealing new light and...
In 1971, the pioneering artist Gordon Matta-Clark began a series of “Cuttings” in which he opened up abandoned buildings by segmenting their walls and floors - revealing new light and space. From March to June 1974, he used a chainsaw to bifurcate a New Jersey home scheduled for demolition. Carving into the foundation, he transformed the space into a temporary sculptural environment which touched on ideas of urban decay and the breakdown of traditional social and suburban structures.
“Splitting,” a film of this architectural-sculptural performance, as well sketches, an artist’s book and photographs such as this one, operate both as documents of the temporary event and works of art in their own right.
“Splitting,” a film of this architectural-sculptural performance, as well sketches, an artist’s book and photographs such as this one, operate both as documents of the temporary event and works of art in their own right.