Philosophies of Dirt

2005-2012

“Dirt has a mind. In reading James Jack’s Philosophies of Dirt, here is one idea to which I propose we commit—that not only does dirt have a mind, it uses it. Dirt thinks. Dirt conceives itself in thinking. In that, dirt is, along with fire and other elements, adhering the sustenance and destruction of the earth into a single motivation, the social conscience of the earth.”

—Brandon Shimoda, poet

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Philosophies of Dirt

Installation view
2012

1

Kailua, O‘ahu

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

2

Kailua, O‘ahu

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm (detail)
2011

3

Mooloch, Oregon

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

4

Mooloch, Oregon

pigment and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm (detail)
2011

5

Philosophy of Dirt

pigments and gum arabic on paper
76×56 cm
2011

6

Philosophies of Dirt

glass, pigments and space
Dimensions variable
2012

7

Philosophies of Dirt

Studio installation view
Dimensions variable
2015