Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Irwin. Photo courtesy of City of Seattle, by Richard Andrews, showing the original installation, 1983-2001.

9 Spaces 9 Trees, 1983, Reconceived 2007

Robert Irwin
(American, born 1928, died 2023)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Robert Irwin's 9 Spaces 9 Trees was originally created for the rooftop plaza of the City of Seattle's Public Safety Building in 1983. After construction and plans for a re-design of the site required the artwork's permanent removal, it was re-conceived by the artist for the University of Washington campus in 2003.

Irwin created the artwork's maze-like format to define nine gathering spaces. As light passes through the installation's fence walls, a sense of movement and rippled patterns are created. The nine gathering spaces can feel comforting and personal, or a little claustrophobic – they have layers of meaning. Depending on your angle to the fence walls, you see them as either see-through or semi-solid. The trees are lush and full of leaves in the spring and summer, and bare and open in the fall and winter. 9 Spaces 9 Trees creates spaces that are both private and public.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

The late San Diego-based artist Robert Irwin (1928-2023) created site-specific installations and landscape projects that pushed the boundaries of art and perception. Irwin began his career as a painter, evolving into an installation artist through his involvement with the West Coast Light and Space movement. He described his work as “conditional,” not only altering the environment, but also leaving space for the environment to alter the experience of the art.
Irwin studied at the Otis Art Institute, Jepson Art Institute, and Chouinard Art Institute, all in Los Angeles, California. He taught at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles and at the University of California, Los Angeles.