The artwork “45º, 90º, 180º/City” by Michael Heizer, created between 1980 and 1999, is a prominent piece within the Environmental (Land) Art movement and falls under the genre of installation art. The artwork displays a profound interaction with its desert surroundings, characterized by geometric shapes and precise angles.
In this formidable installation, expanses of concrete and earth interact meticulously with the natural terrain, featuring large, diagonally, and vertically placed slabs arranged in a precise, geometric order. The stark contrast between the man-made elements and the natural landscape underlines the immense scale of Heizer’s vision. The majestic, rugged mountains in the background juxtapose a sense of isolation and tranquility with the human imposition on the land. This interplay eloquently captures the essence of Land Art, inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between human engineering and the natural world.