Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

a puddle in the city of Miami

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles [detail] (1969)
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
Edition of 3 + 1AP

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles (1969)
Installation view: Nancy Holt / Inside Outside, Bildmuseet, Umeå, Sweden, 2022
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies 18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
18 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. (46 x 46 cm) each framed
Edition of 3 + 1AP
Photograph: Mikael Lundgren
Image Courtesy Holt/Smithson Foundation and Bildmuseet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

framed photographs of Miami Puddles installed at Bildmuseet in Sweden

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles (1969)
Installation view: Nancy Holt / Inside Outside, Bildmuseet, Umeå, Sweden, 2022
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies 18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
18 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. (46 x 46 cm) each framed
Edition of 3 + 1AP
Photograph: Mikael Lundgren
Image Courtesy Holt/Smithson Foundation and Bildmuseet

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles (1969)
Installation view: Nancy Holt: Circles of Light, Gropius Bau, Berlin, Germany, 2024
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies 18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
18 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. (46 x 46 cm) each framed
Edition of 3 + 1AP
Photograph: Luca Girardini
Image Courtesy Gropius Bau and Holt/Smithson Foundation

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

installation view of photographs of Miami Puddles

Nancy Holt, Miami Puddles (1969)
Installation view: Nancy Holt: Circles of Light, Gropius Bau, Berlin, Germany, 2024
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies 18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
18 1/4 x 18 1/4 in. (46 x 46 cm) each framed
Edition of 3 + 1AP
Photograph: Luca Girardini
Image Courtesy Gropius Bau and Holt/Smithson Foundation

© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

1966—1969

Miami Puddles

Nancy Holt
1969
Miami, Florida
Twenty-two inkjet prints on archival rag paper from original 126 format transparencies
18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm) each
© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

While on a short visit to Miami in 1969 Nancy Holt took the photo series Miami Puddles, a visual poem created through serial images shot on a walking journey through Miami. As in other photographic series from this time period, Holt uses a self-determined system of seeing to guide her image making, in this case mapping the city of Miami solely through photographing puddles that have formed after a rainstorm. Miami Puddles foreshadows Holt’s later sculptures that use reflecting pools of water—such as Hydra's Head (1974) and Up and Under (1987-98)—and her consideration for the aesthetics and technology of water drainage in the System Works of the 1980s and '90s.

Related Info

1981—1983
a structure built of galvanized steel pipes built in a grassy field
Sole Source
Nancy Holt
1983
1981—1983

Gravity is the power source in Holt’s bucolic plumbing system, with water from an elevated reservoir flowing down through the structure of pipes into a pre-existing ditch. Dating back to the 18th century, this ditch is dubbed a “ha-ha” by Irish hunters because of the surprise they experienced when encountering it. While the galvanized steel stands out as a contemporary presence in an otherwise historic landscape, the technology used in this structure has existed in civilization for centuries.

1984—2014
forthcoming
Up and Under
Nancy Holt
1987-98
1984—2014

Located in an old sand quarry in Finland, Holt’s ​Up and Under w​as commissioned by artist and farmer Osmo Rauhala as part of a larger effort to restore and reclaim developed land. The work is made up of a curved, winding mound of earth, through which one vertical tunnel and seven horizontal tunnels—aligned with the North star, Polaris—are installed. Three reflective pools of water are positioned around the base of the sculpture. The vertical tunnel brings a view of the sky down from above, while earth collected from sites across Finland lie just underfoot.

See Also

A circular pool of water reflecting a blue sky.
Hydra's Head
Nancy Holt
1974
Along the Niagara River, Artpark, Lewiston, New York