Iain Baxter&’s Landscape of Information: In, Between, Over and Around
Posted: December 21, 2011The definition of a “thing” is effected by means of continuity and of correlations which have a certain differential independence of other “things”. That is to say, given a particular in one perspective, there will usually in a neighbouring perspective be a very similar particular, differing from the given particular, to the first order of small quantities, according to a law involving only the difference of position of the two perspectives in perspective space, and not any of the other “things” in the universe. It is this continuity and differential independence in the law of change as we pass from one perspective to another that defines the class of particulars which is to be called “one thing”.
─ Bertrand Russell (1915)
If I disregard the practical value of a science I do see a similarity between the scientific and the artistic activity. Both attempt to assemble from parts a whole which by itself is indistinct ─ in such a way that the resulting order creates distinctness and clarity.”
─ Albert Einstein (1964)
__________
First Proposition (Prospect):
One quart of white outdoor paint poured into a circular hole of one quart capacity. 1965.
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Second Proposition (Prospect):
Landscape identification, permanent location. 1968.
Photo made and location documented; it is reproduced on metal and placed back in landscape on post, at same height as camera took photo, and left permanently as record of the arrest of this particular time and position; landscape changes, photo remains; others can be taken at yearly intervals, same general site.
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Third Proposition (Prospect):
“No trespassing” parallelogram − laid out in large field with signs at corners and along each side − demarcating area as negative place. 1969.
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Fourth Proposition (Prospect):
BASICS. 1980.
[Proposal for a University of Lethbridge open-air site. Lethbridge, Alberta.]
Blue triangle (cylindrical, plastic),
6.09 m., height;
Yellow cube (triangular, wood),
4.57 m., height;
Red sphere (square, steel),
3.05 m., height.
“The cube, triangle and sphere constitute the basic building blocks of society which man discovered he could use to build a reality beyond his dreams.
“The materials used for BASICS describe an evolution from the most time honored wood; through the compounding of nature’s metal ores into the versatility of steel; to the modern synthesis which is the virtually indestructible plastic. … All these basic qualities have been mixed and interplayed in this sculpture. The 10-foot red sphere is constructed of square steel tubing. The 15-foot yellow cube is constructed of triangular wooden beams. The 20-foot blue triangle is constructed of cylindrical plastic. In concept the sculpture BASICS represents the structures of our universe that are at once deceptively simple yet represent unlimited potential. These same three forms, colors, and materials … will serve future generations in their quest for discovery.”
− Iain Baxter& (1980)
The Vegetative Universe opens like a
flower from the Earth’s center /
In which is Eternity. It expands
In stars to the Mundane Shell /
And there it meets Eternity again,
both within and without …
− William Blake (1804)
__________
In its translation from concept to context, Iain Baxter&’s landscape-related viewpoint is at once a projection of immanence and the generative source of new perspectival correlations ─ an orientation beyond stillness and motion.
David Bellman
December 2011