About the Artist

Robert Morris (born February 9th, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri) is a writer, conceptual artist, and sculptor. Prominently known for being a major creator in the movements of Minimalist sculptures, Earthworks, and Process Art. He studied engineering at the University of Kansas and art at the Kansas Institute of Art; in which during this time of study was interrupted when Morris decided to serve for the U.S. Army in Arizona and Korea during 1951-52.

#datsunsetthough

The untitled piece (Steam Work in Bellingham) was not the artist’s first work with steam. In the late 1960’s, Robert Morris installed a similar sculpture. Where steam rose from rocks just like in Bellingham. Like both of Morris’s work with steam, many of his sculptures are unable to be put in exhibits due to their size. When they were in galleries, they took up most of the space. Morris became fascinated with geometric shapes and industry. He often used cubes and industrial material in his work.

Some of Morris’s earliest work was actually props for his dance studio. He became interested in dance in the 1950’s with his wife, who is a dancer and choreographer. The elements of function rather than expression are still very present in his current artwork. Robert Morris was instrumental in defining the minimalist movement. Morris helped establish three central principles within the movement: Earthworks, Process Art, and Minimalist Sculpture. We see all three of these elements in the Untitled (Steam Work for Bellingham).

Intent behind the work

Morris’s intent in this work was for the viewers to create their own meaning with the piece. The experience is in the uncertainty of the meaning of the work. The untitled piece does not allow the viewer to gain any insight as to what the author intended the work to be. As we move around the piece we see the land from different angles and how the land interacts with the art. 

“Challenge to start something from scratch” – Robert Morris

Playtime Untitled

Untitled (Steam Work for Bellingham) History

The artwork acquires its steam from the steam plant located just outside of Western Washington’s red square, built in 1970. The plant operates all year long, producing the energy that heats most of Western’s buildings. The pipes span across campus and run underneath the artwork, emerging from a metal grate that is covered by the rocks. This was not the artist first work with steam, but it complements the addition of the steam plant building at western having been built 4 years after the plant was completed.

Our Interpretation

The artwork is subtle. It doesn’t scream for attention, rather quietly beckons you to reflect upon its beauty. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this work is its ability to blend. It fits perfectly with the surrounding atmosphere – unifying effortlessly with the Pacific Northwestern environment. The rocks echo the natural ecosystem in which it is placed. How difficult it must have been to create such a minimalist work of art, blend with such a rich outdoor setting.

Steam Sunset

However simplistic this piece is, it feels incredibly intentional. The artwork is placed near the arboretum, further calling upon the audience to notice its connection to nature. The steam that slowly rises from the soft, cylindrical stones create a soundlessly dramatic statement. This piece allows individuals to walk away with their own understanding behind it’s meaning. The sculpture is even untitled, not allowing anything but the viewer’s own insight to create significance.

A remarkable characteristic of this sculpture is its timelessness. The simple square concrete box filled with round rocks connects us back to nature, without being totally obvious about doing so. Our human experience is one that cannot be separated from nature. Even in the simple fact that our buildings are constructed with natural elements such as stone. The stimulating dichotomy between the tough stone and the delicate, almost mystical, steam creates such a complex arrangement in the simplest of ways. The piece both reflects nature and our human experience, in its simple, yet nuanced complex beauty.

Credits

Alisa Williams: Blog admin and Photographer

Karmiel Weste: Researcher and Writer

Mackenzie Wilson: Researcher and Model

Citations

IANCO-STARRELS, JOSINE. “Robert Morris Works Focus on Environment.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 1986, articles.latimes.com

/1986-04-27/entertainment/ca-23856_1_robert-morris.

“Masterpieces of Minimalism by Robert Morris.” DailyArtDaily.com, 14 Feb. 2017, www.dailyartdaily.com/masterpieces-minimalism-robert-morris/.

“Robert Morris Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works.” The Art Story, www.theartstory.org/artist-morris-robert.htm.

“Robert Morris.” Guggenheim, www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/robert-morris.