7.1 Concepts of time and change in Environmental Art
2 min read•july 18, 2024
Environmental art often embraces , challenging traditional notions of permanence. Artists use like , , and to create works that change over time, reflecting life's transient nature and encouraging viewers to be present in the moment.
This approach aligns with emphasizing . It invites reflection on our with nature and promotes a mindful, present-focused experience of art and life, challenging us to confront our own mortality.
Concepts of Time and Change in Environmental Art
Temporality in environmental art
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Peter Donnelly "Sand man" | discoverywall.nz View original
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Andy Goldsworthy’s Ice and Snow Ephemeral Sculptures – AesthesiaMag View original
Peter Donnelly "Sand man" | discoverywall.nz View original
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Andy Goldsworthy’s Ice and Snow Ephemeral Sculptures – AesthesiaMag View original
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Artworks often emphasize the temporary nature of the piece highlighting the fleeting quality of the artwork and the viewer's experience
Encourages viewers to be present and fully engage with the artwork in the moment, knowing it may not exist in the same form in the future (Ice sculptures, Sand mandalas)
Challenges traditional notions of art as permanent and unchanging, inviting a reevaluation of the value and purpose of artistic creation
Reflects the transient nature of life itself, reminding viewers of the impermanence of all things (Seasons, )
Natural processes in artwork
and of organic materials
Artists incorporate living plants or other organic matter that grow, wither, or decompose over time (Flowers, Moss, Leaves)
Showcases the and the and death
Erosion and of inorganic materials
Artists use elements like sand, stone, or metal that are altered by wind, water, or other (, )
Highlights the effects of time and the environment on even seemingly solid and permanent structures
Intentional design choice to embrace the unpredictable and ever-changing aspects of nature
Invites viewers to observe and appreciate the beauty in the natural processes of transformation (Changing colors of leaves, Patina on copper)
Impermanence and artistic philosophy
Accepting impermanence challenges the idea of art as a means to achieve immortality or leave a lasting legacy
Encourages a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the unique experience of encountering the artwork
Aligns with Buddhist and other Eastern philosophical traditions emphasizing the of existence (, )
Promotes a sense of humility and non-attachment to material possessions or achievements
Invites reflection on the of all things and the and death (Ecosystem interactions, Nutrient cycles)
Encourages a more mindful and present-focused approach to experiencing art and life itself
Challenges viewers to confront their own mortality and the impermanence of their own existence (, )