Wandering Rocks

Wandering Rocks is a steel sculpture comprising five individually named geometric components: Crocus, Shaft, Dud, Slide, and Smohawk. Each element is painted in semi-gloss black and ranges in size from approximately 58 to 116 centimeters.

Tony Smith created this work in 1967 as part of a limited series consisting of five editions plus one artist's proof, with this being the second edition. The piece emerged during a period when the artist was exploring geometric forms and modular compositions.

The geometric arrangement of the five elements references molecular structures and incorporates design elements similar to the rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple.

The individual steel components weigh between approximately 164 and 337 kilograms, making them moveable and rearrangeable. Their weight and scale mean they can be configured in different ways depending on the exhibition space and layout requirements.

The five elements function both as individual sculptures and as components of a larger work, with no predetermined spatial relationship between them.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1967

Creator: Tony Smith

Made from material: steel

Part of: Wandering Rocks

GPS coordinates: 43.17668,-87.93694

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42