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People Think Dead Artist Is Responsible For Monolith In Desert

People Think Dead Artist Is Responsible For Monolith In Desert

The unusual 12ft tall metal block was discovered earlier this week

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Mystery still surrounds the monolith found in Utah earlier this week - but some people reckon they may have worked out who is behind it.

The four-metre (12ft) high metal block was discovered out in the wilderness in Utah this week, but according to Google Maps has actually been in situ since 2016.

Although we're yet to have a answer about where the mysterious installation came from, numerous art lovers have claimed it looks like the work of sculptor John McCracken.

But to an add a further twist to this already bizarre tale, McCracken died in 2011.

Gallery owner David Zwirner, who has exhibited McCracken's work since 1997, originally released a statement claiming it was 'definitely' a secret piece from the artist.

However, a spokesperson from The David Zwirner Gallery, later told Art News: "While this is not a work by the late American artist John McCracken, we suspect it is a work by a fellow artist paying homage to McCracken."

The plot thickens, eh?

In a recent interview with The New York Times, McCracken's son Patrick recalled a conversation he'd had with his dad in 2002.

Patrick told the news outlet: "We were standing outside looking at the stars and he said something to the effect of that he would like to leave his artwork in remote places to be discovered later."

PA

When asked if he believed his dad was joking, he added: "No, I thought it was something that he would do.

"He was inspired by the idea of alien visitors leaving objects that resembled his work, or that his work resembled. This discovery of a monolith piece - that's very much in line with his artistic vision."

Whoever is responsible for it, it's certainly managed to capture people's imaginations with some people even claiming aliens are behind it.

In response to its discovery, Utah's Bureau of Land Management said: "Although we can't comment on active investigations, the Bureau of Land Management would like to remind public land visitors that using, occupying, or developing the public lands or their resources without a required authorisation is illegal, no matter what planet you are from."

PA

The Bureau also urged people not to attempt to visit it, saying: "The exact location of the installation is not being disclosed since it is in a very remote area and if individuals were to attempt to visit the area, there is a significant possibility they may become stranded and require rescue.

"We are encouraging anyone who knows the location of the monolith to not attempt to visit it due to road conditions."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Interesting, US News, Weird