Bolivian Coal Line 1992

Richard Long created this "Bolivian Coal Line" by arranging coal sourced from Bolivia into a straight line. This simple act transforms an everyday industrial material into a sculpture. Long is known for his land art, often made from natural materials that he finds in remote locations. In this case, the coal’s origin in Bolivia is significant. The process of extraction relies on a global system of labor and trade. The coal itself has a powerful presence. Its darkness absorbs light, creating a stark contrast with the white gallery space. The individual pieces have a rough texture, a direct consequence of the mining process and the environment in which it was created. By bringing this material into the gallery, Long asks us to consider the social and economic context of its production. It challenges our traditional notions of art and invites us to appreciate the beauty and significance of the materials that surround us.