Double Negative

Double Negative is a work of art consisting of two deep cuts carved into the edge of Mormon Mesa, aligned across a natural ravine that runs between them. Each trench extends straight through the reddish sandstone, forming a continuous line about 1500 feet (457 meters) in total length.

Michael Heizer began this work in 1969, using explosives and heavy machinery to remove around 240,000 tons of rock. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles became the owner in 1984, accepting the condition that erosion and weather would alter the piece over time.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles received Double Negative in 1984 under the condition that nature would gradually transform the installation through erosion.

A vehicle with high clearance is necessary to navigate the unpaved desert tracks leading to the site in Moapa Valley. The drive from Las Vegas takes about two hours and involves dusty roads with no signage.

The work contains no added material but consists entirely of the empty space created by removing rock. Wind and rain gradually alter the edges of the cuts, making the piece a changing object over decades.