ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a reflection on the significance of place specifically in the work of (mostly) Heidegger and Nietzsche. The landscape sculpture of Andy Goldsworthy is used as a point of departure to think about relationships between place and temporality, as well as authenticity and truth. Goldsworthy shows us how places are fabrications, captured in a moment. Beliefs, truth, and meanings are questioned in the interaction that he creates. From that point the chapter turns to Heidegger who has been accused of overemphasizing time over place. Yet, his language is full of place-related terminology, starting with Dasein, being there. We cannot think Dasein without the temporal component, but likewise place is an essential part if its being there. Regarding art Heidegger emphasizes the work of unconcealment, bringing forth a truth. The art of Goldsworthy can be understood as bringing a temporary moment of truth. Lastly, Nietzsche emphasizes art as a way to express and become ourselves. As a nomadic thinker he wants us to leave the familiar and become homesick, which is not without ambiguity. For both Goldsworthy and Nietzsche ambiguity does not need to be resolved but can rather be an inspiration for creativity. It is the artistic process that can be seen as a becoming of oneself in a particular place at a specific moment in time.
