Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Earthworks are large-scale sculptures created by manipulating the earth's surface through digging trenches, piling up soil, or shaping mounds. Artists use these techniques to create land-based artworks that interact with the surrounding environment.
Related terms
Land Art/Environmental Art: Land art (also known as environmental art) encompasses various artistic practices that involve working directly with nature and its elements. It often involves sculpting the land, using natural materials, or creating installations in outdoor spaces.
Spiral Jetty is a famous earthwork created by artist Robert Smithson. Located in Utah's Great Salt Lake, it consists of a massive spiral-shaped jetty made from rocks and earth that extends into the lake.
Nazca Lines: The Nazca Lines are enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor in Peru. These ancient earthworks depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes and can only be fully appreciated from above.