Above and Below -Maya Lin

In this Maya Lin succeeds in creating a tangible, nearly overwhelming three dimensional space.  The technique she used to achieve this is similar to that used in her other pieces that examined topography and mapping.  The altitude lines of both rocky and smooth formations seem to fascinate her. In Above and Below she uses this same method to create a shockingly realistic portrayal of solid, organic, natural space with a minimal use of materials.  The great amount of negative space in this sculpture is one of its strongest attributes.  The contrast between the almost airy, ephemeral quality of the pattern up close and the massive, rough, weighted nature of the piece from afar is quite striking.