Land Art can take a multitude of scales and forms. It can either be designed to be a
relatively long-lasting intervention in to the landscape or it may be an ephemeral
creation or event.
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| Andy Goldsworhty: continuous grass stalk line held to mud-covered rocks with thorns Image |
In each case, the artist recognises that the
installation will interact with its environment discolouring and
decaying over time. That is part of the
appeal of this art form. Often artists will simply choose to
use the materials that are available at the location of construction, so it is
common for land art to be made from natural materials that biodegrade.
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| Human Nest by Jean Conroy Image |
Striking contrasts can be created by using materials in such a way that they seem to be completely at odds with the existing scene and this can make for compelling
work.
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| Sylvain Meyer installation Image |
I think that this type of art is great as any one can have
a go; it can easily be a group activity and you don't need to have an
artist's studio in which to create your work or a gallery in which to
exhibit it.
Finally, whilst ephemeral interventions have largely captured the "land art" epithet, I feel that longer lasting interventions and indeed those installations operating at a larger scale or as part of landscape masterplans equally deseve our attention as artistic creations.
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Labyrinth in Barretstown by Austen Associates (that's me!)
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| The way the fairies went in Sneem by Irish sculptor John Scanlon (pic. by me) |
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| Boardwalk by Turenscape, China Image |
Tim, Much enjoyed your posting today. Especially liked the first one. Gives me an idea to do with some of the larger stones I picked up on the beach this Summer. The line that moves around the stones is so appealing to me. Will try it.
ReplyDeleteI recently completed six different metal sculptures for the garden ranging form 5 - 12 feet tall. Simple abstract art sited among the flowers. Think they will start conversations come the Spring. Thanks Jack
Hi Jack,
DeleteGood on you! I find A. Goldsworthy's work truly inspiring.
Have you got a link to your sculptures; I am intrigued?
I'm not sure I'd appreciate someone introducing thorns onto a beach. The rocks look interesting. Are they septarian nodules?
ReplyDeleteI like the spider and the maze - though I think the maze would get a bit boring after a while and I'd want change from time to time . . . some extra plants(?).
I don't think they are: would love to hear more about septarian nodules though.
DeleteThe beauty of the labyrinth is its simplicity - it is more of a spiritual journey rather than one in which the user feels lost or threatened as perhaps they might in maze. That said you could have taller plants instead of the cut grass (ornamental grasses?) to create divisions and these could look spectacular...
Loved the look of that labyrinth. Was there a minotaur in there too?
ReplyDeleteAnd that sculpture by John Scanlon really tugs at my whimsical side :)
Hi Sunita,
DeleteThere could be a minotaur in there if you wish, it depends where your journey takes you!
John's pyramids are really cool on the inside too. You have to stoop down low to get inside and this creates a sense that you are entering somewhere different. There are stained glass pieces set in to the stone which create magical light effects too.