“Bolivian Coal Line” is an installation artwork created by Richard Long in 1992. This piece is associated with the Environmental (Land) Art and Post-Minimalism art movements. The artwork exemplifies Richard Long’s characteristic use of natural materials and his minimalist aesthetic.
The artwork consists of a long, linear arrangement of coal pieces laid out meticulously on the floor of an expansive, industrial-like gallery space. The coal line extends from the foreground to the background, creating a striking contrast against the smooth, grey concrete floor. The simplicity of the straight, dark coal line is juxtaposed with the open, sparse environment, emphasizing the natural texture and form of the materials. This installation invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between the natural environment and human intervention, themes central to Long’s oeuvre.
