Talk about the genre environmental art
For the genre you choose, define in your art sketchbook the characteristics that are typical of that particular style of art. This will involve a bit of research to make sure that you understand all of the details about that genre. Once you have defined the characteristics, develop the critique guidelines that would be used to evaluate this genre, similar to what was listed in the previous slide. Remember to include the basic steps of a critique: describe, analyze, interpret, and judge.
Environmental art, also known as earth art or land art, is a genre of art that emerged in the 1960s as a response to the growing awareness of environmental issues and the desire to reconnect with nature. It is characterized by the use of natural materials and the creation of artworks that interact with and are integrated into the natural environment.
Characteristics of environmental art include:
1. Interaction with the environment: Environmental artists often create works that are directly influenced by or interact with the surrounding landscape or natural elements. They may sculpt the land, create installations using natural materials, or incorporate elements such as water, wind, or light into their works.
2. Use of natural materials: Artists working in this genre typically use natural materials found in the environment, such as rocks, soil, plants, and water. These materials are often left in their raw, unaltered state, reflecting the artist's intention to work in harmony with nature.
3. Non-permanence or ephemeral nature: Many environmental artworks are temporary or transient in nature, as they may be created using materials that deteriorate over time or may be removed by natural forces. This characteristic emphasizes the impermanence of the human impact on the environment.
4. Site-specificity: Environmental art is often created in specific locations and is designed to be experienced in situ. These artworks are often intended to be site-specific, responding to the unique characteristics and history of the place.
5. Conceptual and symbolic elements: Environmental art often carries a strong conceptual message or symbolism related to environmental issues or the artist's personal connection to nature. These artworks encourage viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and raise awareness about ecological concerns.
Now, let's develop critique guidelines for evaluating environmental art:
1. Describe: Begin by describing the artwork in detail, noting its size, medium, and materials used. Consider the location and its relationship to the surrounding environment. Describe the physicality of the artwork and its interplay with natural elements.
2. Analyze: Analyze how the artist has utilized the natural materials and integrated them into the environment. Consider the impact of the artwork on the surrounding ecology and ecosystem. Explore the artist's technical skills and their ability to convey their message through their chosen materials and methods.
3. Interpret: Interpret the conceptual and symbolic elements of the artwork. Consider the artist's intentions and the message they aim to convey. Reflect on the artwork's relationship to environmental issues and its potential to evoke an emotional or intellectual response from the viewer.
4. Judge: Judge the success of the artwork based on its ability to achieve its intended goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of the artist's concept and message. Consider how well the artwork integrates with the environment and engages viewers with its environmental themes. Assess the artwork's overall quality, originality, and impact.
By following these critique guidelines, viewers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental art, evaluating its artistic qualities as well as its ecological significance.