Lot 593
Betty Beaumont
(1946)
Ocean Landmark (1978-1980)
Signed, dated 1980 and numbered 1/4 on the reverse
C-print, 75.5 x 110.5 cm
Provenance:
- John Gibson Gallery, New York City, 2006
- Corporate collection, the Netherlands
Note:
With a profound commitment to marine conservation, Beaumont has ingeniously merged art and environmental activism, creating impactful works that echo her deep love for the ocean. One of her most notable contributions to the art world is the concept of Ocean Landmark, a visionary project that transcends traditional artistic boundaries, leaving an enduring mark on both the art community and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Ocean Landmark, that initiated in 1978, is a pioneering concept where she collaborated with a team of scientists to transform processed coal waste from an Ohio hydroelectric power plant into inert rectangular blocks. Over 17,000 coal fly-ash blocks, weighing 500 tons, were transported by barge in 1980 to the Atlantic Ocean, where they were strategically placed on the sea floor, 40 miles from New York Harbor and 3 miles off Fire Island National Seashore, forming a substantial underwater mound. Over the years, these blocks have changed into a thriving reef, hosting a diverse marine ecosystem, earning it the designation of a 'fish haven' by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
The project's success has sparked a wave of interest among artists, scientists, and conservationists, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at safeguarding our oceans. By blending artistic innovation with ecological advocacy, she has left an indelible mark on the world, reminding us that art has the power not only to captivate the senses but also to heal and preserve the natural wonders that surround us.
* Please note: condition reports and additional photos are available upon request.
