Caspian Sea (Bodies of Water Series) 2006

Maya Lin made this sculpture of the Caspian Sea, part of her Bodies of Water series, from wood. The layered construction gives it a topographical feel, like an architectural model or a deconstructed map. The materiality here is fascinating. You can see the wood grain and the edges of each layer. Each line emphasizes the contours of the sea, making you feel the depth and shape of the water, even though it’s absent. The pale wood is sanded to a smooth finish on top, but the sides retain a raw, almost geological quality. Look at how the edges create a rhythmic pattern, a kind of visual echo of the water’s surface. It reminds me a bit of Richard Serra's work, but with a quieter, more introspective vibe. Lin's work often deals with memory and the environment. Like much art, it’s less about providing answers and more about prompting us to see and think differently.