David Horvitz: Adjust the Level of the Sea

One hundred and fifty-six poetic actions in conversation with the sea

A book-length poem by Los Angeles-based conceptual artist David Horvitz (born 1982), Adjust the Level of the Sea is composed of 156 waves of thoughts and actions to be realized in relation to or contact with the sea. Following in the vein of his previous publications, this artist’s book features a vibrant but simplistic design and layout. Each page contains a single instructive prompt in blue text over a white background. Juxtaposed with the prompt on the opposite page, each instruction, such as write a letter with the sea or change the sea from noun to verb, seems to build on the last. Beginning with Begin with the sea and ending with See the sea being, Horvitz’s verbal fragments invoke synchronization between humankind and nature, encouraging his audience to find comfort in, and harmony with, the sea.