Gordon Matta-Clark (1943-1978), who had studied architecture in university, knew exactly the possibilities and restrictions of his unorthodox sculptural material. Interesting to see how in one project he would only touch the skin of the architecture leaving the structure in tact (e.g. 'Conical Intersect') and in another cut through structure (e.g. 'Splitting') leaving an unbalanced building.
Whatever approach he used it altered both the concept of building and surrounding in his own urban interpretation of "Earth Art".
Being a member of the Anarchitecture group Matta-Clark's work is filled with social engagement. Not only in the use of derelict buildings and leftover urban spaces but also in works like 'Garbage Wall': a homeless shelter, or 'Fresh-Air Cart': a sculptural pamflet about air-polution.
His diy-approach can further be seen in projects like Food, a restaurant run be artists and a cultural meeting place in Soho, NY.
Gordon Matta-Clark, 'Self Portrait' (1972)
Gordon Matta-Clark, 'Conical Intersect' (1975)
'Splitting' (1974)
Gordon Matta-Clark, 'Fresh-Air Cart' (1972)
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