“Negative Megalith #5,” created by artist Michael Heizer in 1998, is an installation artwork belonging to the Minimalism art movement.
The artwork features a monumental stone prominently displayed within a stark, simple setting. The stone, rough and unpolished, occupies a deep recess in a wall, presenting a stark contrast against the clean, white surfaces surrounding it. This juxtaposition highlights the stone’s natural textures and irregular shape, accentuating its presence within the minimalistic space. The installation’s reflection on the polished floor adds a visual echo, enhancing the piece’s depth and dimensionality. The artwork emphasizes Heizer’s focus on negative space and the relationship between the natural and the constructed, making a profound statement through the simplicity of its elements and the precision of its presentation.