Maya Lin

Maya Lin uses pattern and texture in a unique and interesting way in her piece "Altered Atlas." Lin creates depth by cutting each page in a similar shape, making it smaller and more simplified as she gets further into the atlas, and the the piece begins to take on a ridged, geographic texture. The artist plays with the form of a two-dimensional atlas, giving it new heights and depths that it would lack if the pages were left uncut. The words (or perhaps numbers?) on each page create an interesting vertical, column-like pattern in the piece, adding to the overall depth effect. I like the way Lin makes the experience of looking at an atlas more interactive by adding her own patterns and textures.