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Art & Ecology


Art & Ecology

Perspectives and Issues



"How we experience the landscape is shaped not only by factors such as class, gender, race, age, and politics, but by the cultural forms employed to represent it."
- Lucinda Furlong, 1994




Perspectives and Issues includes a general introduction and discussions of four orientations to ecological art. These orientations--Environmental Design, Ecological Design, Social Restoration, and Ecological Restoration--encompass a wide range of perspectives and approaches identified with contemporary ecological art. Each of the four sections examines several modern and contemporary artists. For each artist you will find a short essay, a significant artwork, a set of discussion questions, and a list of references.

Introduction

In the introductory essay, Don Krug discusses contemporary ecological art in terms of life-centered issues, community participation, public dialogue, and ecological sustainability. He also identifies concepts frequently addressed by ecological artists that can be used by teachers and students to make interdisciplinary links.

Environmental Design

Ronald W. Neperud and Marla Hochman address the art of four artists and architects who have worked to integrate formal aesthetic designs with the natural landscape. The artists discussed are James Mason, Frank Lloyd Wright, Paolo Soleri, and Maya Lin.

Ecological Design

Don Krug investigates how four artists have addressed local ecological issues in their artwork. The artists discussed are Karen Stahlecker, Malcolm Cochran, Andy Goldsworthy, and Barbara Westfall.

 Social Restoration

Elizabeth Garber discusses how five artists have addressed issues associated with self-identity, social identity, ecology, and community. The artists are Rick Lowe, Ann Hamilton, Buster Simpson, and the team of Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager.

 Ecological Restoration

Don Krug examines ecological art in relationship to community concerns that are connected to larger global issues. The artists discussed are Agnes Denes, Mel Chin, Helen and Newton Harrison, and Mierle Ukeles.










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