This artwork was created in Yorkshire. During the time of its creation, the United Kingdom had had a rough year, burdened with many disasters such as the “Great Storm”, Remembrance Day bombing, the Hungerford massacre, and others. It’s dark decaying leaves toward the edges of the circle may be symbolic of moving on from the past and working towards better days, which is symbolized by the brighter leaves toward the center. The hole in the center may symbolize the unknown.

As mentioned above, 1987 brought many disasters for the UK. The previous picture was taken in October of 1987 and this one was taken in December of that same year, possibly symbolizing that there was more hope for a brighter future. However, this picture was not taken in Yorkshire, but instead in Japan, which could also mean that maybe Goldsworthy went and found hope elsewhere.

This picture was taken in Cumbria, England in March of 1988 which takes place after the two previous pictures. It was taken in the Derwentwater, and the water’s reflection may symbolize reflecting on the past. The use of the delicate branches and the sculpture being in the water could also symbolize the fine line between peace and disaster as the sculpture seems a little more fragile.

The three photographs above were specifically picked out of all his other artwork because they each greatly resembled each other but were also all very different. Each picture includes the use of circles to emphasize the message of infinity, immortality, and the constant cycle of life.