SplittingSplitting (photograph)
Matta-Clark, Gordon
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Alternative Title
Splitting (photograph)
Date
1974Description
"Then, using a Sawzall (a large power version of a keyhole saw capable of piercing nail-embedded wood , cast iron, plaster, brick, and cement), the band of artists began be slicing a one-inch-wide vertical line marking the exact middle of the house's longer axis. The cut extended from foundation to roof through the entire body of the house where it neatly and implacably divided everything in its path: floors, walls, stairs, railings, and landings. ... Keeping one end of the balloon-frame superstructure propped up on jacks, Matta-Clark and his helpers beveled down the cinderblock foundation at a 5 percent grade from the point of the split to the rear of the house, where the base was lowered by a full foot. Then, gingerly lowering the jacks , they were able to make one half of the house rock gently back to rest on the descending incline, and the narrow split at the center widened into a wedge open to the sky.""Then, using a Sawzall (a large power version of a keyhole saw capable of piercing nail-embedded wood , cast iron, plaster, brick, and cement), the band of artists began be slicing a one-inch-wide vertical line marking the exact middle of the house's longer axis. The cut extended from foundation to roof through the entire body of the house where it neatly and implacably divided everything in its path: floors, walls, stairs, railings, and landings. ... Keeping one end of the balloon-frame superstructure propped up on jacks, Matta-Clark and his helpers beveled down the cinderblock foundation at a 5 percent grade from the point of the split to the rear of the house, where the base was lowered by a full foot. Then, gingerly lowering the jacks , they were able to make one half of the house rock gently back to rest on the descending incline, and the narrow split at the center widened into a wedge open to the sky." full view
Type of Work
Sculpture; PhotographSubject
Landscape in art, Suburbs, Architecture, Conceptual art, Collage, Minimal art, Wrecking, Housing, Photography -- 1960-1980, Home
Rights Statement
All rights reserved
Item is Part of
126245112171