“Observatory” is an installation artwork created by Robert Morris in 1997. As a prominent piece of the Environmental (Land) Art movement, the artwork reflects Morris’s engagement with natural landscapes and his endeavor to create dialogues between art and the environment.
The artwork features an imposing circular structure constructed from earth, forming a large ring that encloses an open space. This circular mound is punctuated by a narrow entrance, guiding observers into the inner sanctum of the installation. The elevated earthen walls delineate the perimeter, creating a boundary that contrasts starkly with the surrounding terrain. The central arena within the walls appears stark and minimal, emphasizing the relationship between the viewer and the expansive landscape beyond. This integration of the land into the artwork underscores the artist’s commitment to Environmental Art, inviting contemplation of nature and human intervention.
