Richard Serra's "Snake" (1994-1997) is a monumental work that stands as a testament to Serra's innovative approach to sculpture, especially within the minimalist movement. Commissioned for the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, "Snake" consists of three massive steel plates arranged to form a serpentine path, inviting viewers to walk through and experience the imposing presence and spatial dynamics of the sculpture. This piece integrates seamlessly with the museum's architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, and it's a core component of Serra's larger installation, "The Matter of Time."

Serra, born in 1938, has had a long and distinguished career that spans over six decades, marked by his evolution from painting to creating groundbreaking, large-scale sculptures. His early years were influenced by his father's work in steel mills, which laid the foundation for his deep connection with steel as a primary medium. Serra's education at prestigious institutions such as the University of California and Yale University, where he interacted with influential figures like Josef Albers, further honed his conceptual and material sensibilities.

"The Matter of Time," which "Snake" is a part of, is a collection of torqued ellipses made from COR-TEN steel that embody Serra's interest in the interplay between space, time, and material. Weighing 180 tons, "Snake" exemplifies Serra's fascination with weight and the physical properties of steel, pushing the boundaries of how sculptures can influence and occupy space.

Serra's contributions to art have been widely recognized, with numerous awards including the Praemium Imperiale prize for sculpture in 1994, the Golden Lion at the 49th Venice Biennale in 2000, the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts in 2010, and the French Legion of Honor in 2015. His work, especially pieces like "Snake," continue to challenge and inspire discussions on the nature of sculpture and its relationship with the environment and the viewer​ (ARTDEX)​.