“Elevational Mass,” created by Richard Serra in 2006, is an installation artwork belonging to the Minimalism art movement. The sculpture is characterized by its minimalist design and architectural presence.
The artwork is composed of massive, vertically arranged steel plates. These plates exhibit a rich patina of rust and textures, which accentuates the raw and industrial aesthetic typical of Serra’s works. The robust steel structure is methodically organized, creating a juxtaposition of solidity and spatial interaction. Each plate is positioned to form a labyrinthine structure, inviting viewers to navigate and engage with the spaces created between the panels. The combination of the material’s weight and the precision of the arrangement emphasizes the physicality and permanence of the installation, embodying the essence of Minimalist principles through its simplicity, formality, and focus on materiality. The stark, industrial attributes of “Elevational Mass” reflect Richard Serra’s ongoing exploration of space, scale, and the viewer’s experience within the constructed environment.
