Robert Smithson Spiral Jetty, 1970 Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1970 Mud, precipitated salt crystals, rocks, and water coil, 13 x 15 x 1,500 ft. Dia Art Foundation. Photograph JEK 2005 © Art © Estate of Robert Smithson/ Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Artist Robert Smithson (1938-1973) is best known for “Spiral Jetty”, a massive earthwork built on the shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.   But Smithson, a native of New Jersey, produced many of his works using materials from the Garden State.  These are gathered together for the first time in the exhibit “Robert Smithson’s New Jersey” at the Montclair Art Museum.

Recently, State of the Arts visited the MAM exhibit, and spoke with Chief Curator Gail Stavitsky about Smithson’s legacy, and his relationship to New Jersey.

A giant of 20th century American art, Smithson’s work can be seen all over the world – but some of his most important contributions to art history are rooted firmly in New Jersey. His signature “Nonsite” pieces included geologic materials from Bayonne, Edgewater, Franklin, and the Pine Barrens.

Get the whole story on State of the Arts, airing Sunday, May 18th!