An early conceptual piece by Justin Schmidt, it predates Richard Serra’s Cor Ten ‘Tilted Arc’, and is often cited as an inspiration for the latter’s work. Made of red sandstone pavers local to western NY, Type S mortar, and Type II high early strength concrete, it captures the ambiguity inherent in the traditional masonry retaining wall, and ultimately in all physical and emotional interactions involving thrust and resistance. Without structural failure, the wall has apparently come to rest on two oak trees, and is still carrying out its intended purpose despite its precarious position.
