Orit Haj
2012
Monumental rammed earth, community token “artifacts”, concrete and bronze.
20′ x 6′ x 3′
Location: Vasquez Rocks State Park. LA County
Commissioned by Los Angeles County Art Commission
Using earth from the site excavation, the monument erodes revealing impacts of natural forces and humans. Residents rammed the earth and added artifacts in each layer of this slow-release time capsule. An embedded bronze sculpture will emerge last. Orit Haj, the title of this artwork, are words from the indigenous Tataviam language which translate to ‘river’ and ‘mountain’. Much the way the Tataviam culture and its language have dissolved into time leaving behind artifacts and legends in and around Vasquez Rocks, so too this artwork will transform and dissolve with time.
Collaboration with Oliver Hess, Rammed Earth Consultant / Contractor: Andreas Hessing
Awarded five signature scroll by Los Angeles County Commissioners for Orit Haj and “demonstrated service”.
Recognized as one of the 50 best public art projects in the 2012 Public Art Network Year in Review by Americans for the Arts