Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.  (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.  (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.  (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.  (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in Britain. Each photograph featuring an orange mark painted onto each stone marker.

Nancy Holt, Trail Markers (1969)

Dartmoor, England, U.K.

Photo-series of 20 inkjet prints on archival rag paper, from original 126 format transparencies

22 1/8 x 22 1/8 in. (55.9 x 55.9 cm) each

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

1966—1969

Trail Markers

Nancy Holt
1969
Dartmoor, England
Photo-series of 20 archival inkjet prints from original 126 format slides
22 x 22 in. (56 x 56 cm)
© Holt/Smithson Foundation / Licensed by Artists Rights Society, New York

A series of twenty photographs captured along the high moor of Dartmoor National Park in England, ​Trail Markers d​ocuments a subjective journey through the historic landscape.  Nancy Holt took the images in Trail Markers in the fall of 1969 while traveling through England with Robert Smithson. The camera angle is trained downwards, with each photograph featuring an orange mark created as a guide for hikers—inviting us to assume the visual perspective of a traveler in pursuit of our path. The orange markers highlight a human construct within a vast natural expanse. Trail Markers brings together Holt's interest in systems, human movement through space and time, and to her fascination with the circle. ⁠Holt resists the panoramic, all-encompassing view, offering instead an experience of the landscape that is at once dynamic and myopic.

Writing

Scholarly Text

It's very hypnotic these little orange dots, and it was interesting because they were very cleverly placed. Every time you got to a place where you might wonder where the next step might be there would be this orange dot. It's structurally interesting, and gave wonderful continuity to my slides. It was an artwork that evolved, came up, I didn't know I was going to be seeing it and then was seeing it and thought this was perfect. It was a gift. It was already there. My job was to get the perfect photo.

Nancy Holt

From an interview with Joy Sleeman on September 21, 2013

See Also