Environmental Art: Reconnecting Modern Western Society and Nature

This essay delves into environmental art as a crucial tool for reconnecting modern Western society with the natural world. It examines the theoretical framework behind the loss of connection with nature, highlighting how artists like Olafur Eliasson and Andy Goldsworthy are addressing this issue through their art. The essay explores their innovative use of materials like light, water, and natural elements to create awareness and encourage a deeper appreciation for the environment. It discusses the impact of environmental art on promoting human connections with nature, critiquing environmental destruction, and showcasing social issues. The essay emphasizes the significance of these artistic endeavors in fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world to combat social inequality and injustice. The work of various artists and their unique approaches to environmental art are analyzed, emphasizing the role of art in inspiring viewers and contributing to a sustainable future.

Environmental
Art

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: TO EXAMINE THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF LOSS OF
CONNECTION WITH NATURE IN MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY......................................3
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Goldsworhty art work................................................................................................6
Illustration 2: Goldsworthy art work................................................................................................7

Title- Environmental Art as a means to reconnect with nature for modern western society.
INTRODUCTION
Environmental art can be stated as the varied range of artistic practices encompassing
both historical approaches to nature in art and more ecological and politically encouraged types
of work. Here, it can be assessed that there are varied artists who are trying to develop activist
concerns through their art form and connecting humans with nature (Morgan, 2012). However,
environmental art is a unique way that assists in enhancing the relationship of individual with the
natural world. As it can be noticed that nowadays the connection of modern western society has
been lost with the natural environment. Therefore, different artists such as Olafur Eliasson and
Andy Goldsworthy are the activists who develops sculptures and art that helps modern society to
connect with their natural environment which is on the edge of degrading. For instance, in the
modern technological world industries are using varied pollution contents that affects the
environment of the country and thus through such art it provides information and knowledge to
people to safeguard the society (Tetlow and Hanusch, 2012).
Furthermore, it can be assessed that such movements started by different artists helps in
promoting human connections with the natural environment. Therefore, they organize different
exhibitions and promotions in order to criticize the destruction of the environment. There are
varied artists who portray different shades of art in their work so that their imagination helps in
achieving desired goals and objectives (Veziroglu and Macario, 2011). However, the shades of
art could be dark, horrifying, weird and even beautiful as well. There are both kinds of people
who praises and criticizes the artists and their art work made on environment art and the losing
connectivity of modern society people. Thus, artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Andy
Goldsworthy are making continuous efforts in order to contribute valuable piece of art towards
developing awareness among the public regarding the conservation of nature and their
surroundings (LaBelle, 2015).
The main purpose of artists to develop connection between the western society and
environment. The work of Olafur Eliasson states that there is high disconnection of people from
the environment and it is essential to rectify it by adopting different approaches to protect the
environment. With the help of such art work it helps in realizing the duties of individuals
towards conserving the earth. However, it involves varied steps taken by such activists in order
to inform modern society people regarding reconnecting them towards the environment
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awareness (Therivel, 2012). Because due to disconnectedness from the earth it will cause social
inequality and injustice. The work of Olafur Eliasson is best known for sculptures and large scale
installation art employing different materials such as light, water and air temperature in order to
encourage viewers experience. He developed varied projects in the form of art regarding
sustainability of environmental protection as it is losing connection with modern society people.
There are different projects developed by Olafur such as Green river, New York City Waterfalls
etc. are best art pieces in order to educate people to safeguard the environment (Davies, 2014).
On the other hand, Andy Goldsworthy is another artist who is a sculptor, photographer
and environmentalist producing specific sculptures in order to conserve and protect the natural
environment (Huang and et. al., 2012). He plays a main role as his art helps in marking the
moment as alive. Further, he uses bright colored flowers, leaves, mud and snow to present his
artistic ideas for preventing nature. Furthermore, as per the view of artists it has been assessed
that there is evidence of disconnectedness of modern society people from natural environment.
Thus, their art works helps in displaying social issues and human emotions to improve living
conditions as well environmental protection (Murphy and Morrison, 2014).
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CHAPTER 1: TO EXAMINE THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF
LOSS OF CONNECTION WITH NATURE IN MODERN WESTERN
SOCIETY
It can be evaluated that through such type of theoretical framework is related to
disconnection of modern society people with nature. However, it is essential for individual to
reconnect them with nature and protect the environment. As stated by Kidd, Palmeri and Aslin
(2013), there has been found an evidence of disconnect i.e. nowadays most people live in urban
areas and not aware about their physical environment anymore (Kidd, Palmeri and Aslin, 2013).
Therefore, artists found that it is significant to teach modern society about nature through their
artistic work and display social issues and human emotions. However, in such computerized
world it loses the contact of humans with nature. Thus, people living in modern society need to
be enclosed with both technology as well natural environment. Individual living in such modern
world are not at all connected with their nature which affects their daily survival and also leave
them to forget their origin. However, Sheldon (2014), argued that today's generation is not at all
finding nature as useful for their living and treating nature as something unnatural. They need to
understand the importance of nature and its purpose in everyday life (Sheldon, 2014).
However, there are varied artists who are prescribing their career path in photography,
sculptures etc. of nature with the aim to conserve and protect it for future. Environmental art is
very helpful as it assists in enhancing the relationship with the natural world. It is an eco-friendly
way that helps in contributing towards the promotion of human connection with the natural
environment (Wathern, 2013). There are varied artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Andy
Goldswothy developed their unique art pieces in order to conserve and protect the natural
environment and build attention of people towards protecting the modern society. Also, it has
been assessed that they were not criticizing the modern world or humans living in modern
society but they want to inform individuals regarding the importance of natural environment.
Therefore, it is essential to protect the environment by producing certain sculptures, art designs
and creative thinking (Hawkins, Gausen and Strømman, 2012). All these art pieces show that
natural environment is in danger because of not given proper care and support. Olafur Eliasson
develops certain smart art work by adopting different elemental materials such as light, air and
water in order to attract viewers and experience them a unique creativity.
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However, as per the Porteous (2013), it has been stated that with the assistance of such art
work Olafur it helps in attracting individuals regarding the protection of natural environment and
create connection among modern society people and natural environment. Art work is described
as the roof where there is a place for different art styles and techniques. Moreover, it is similar to
a house as environmental art is made up of different artists who share a common belief about the
universe. There are varied artists who convey their thoughts with their imagination and thus it
provides a great picture of protecting the natural environment otherwise there can be a dark day
in the history of humans (Bodansky, 2010). Also, it can be stated that artists have a great sense of
imagination through which they can reconnect them with the modern society and inform them
about the protection of natural environment otherwise a great loss can be occurred to population.
Artists uses varied portray which involves different shades such as dark, horrifying,
beautiful etc. and thus it helps in conveying the emotions through art work. They make efforts in
order to showcase the significance of people belongingness with the natural world (Hoyos,
2010). Thus, with the help of environmental art it shows that the different contributions made by
artists in connecting the modern society with natural environment. As per the view of
Morganová (2014), the environmental art helps in assessing the valuable contribution made in
creating the awareness among the public regarding the conservation and preservation of nature
and its surroundings. Such type of art is very capable of showcasing how humanity should be
grounded and connected with the natural environment so that they can understand the importance
of nature in individual's life (Morganová, 2014). As it can be noticed that disconnection of
individual from the environment which requires efforts to rectify it by adopting different
approaches. Thus, with the help of such art form humans are realized of their duties in
conserving the earth and safeguarding humans from getting affected. Thus, it is crucial for
humans to realize the importance of natural environment and thus they need to undertake efforts
in order to protect the environment.
The work of different artists has been undertaken that helps in used as a type of
movements or reforms so that humans can come to know the significance of natural
environment. The modernized society thinks that they do not need natural environment but at
certain point of time artificial things does not look unique and people miss the beauty of nature.
Also, day by day pollution has been increased which affects the environment and thus it need to
be reduced so that natural environment can be protected (Van Stappen, Brose and Schenkel,
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2011). Thus, artists like Olafur and Andy develops some master pieces which helps in creating
symbolism and authentic spiritual expression and helps people to understand the real importance
of nature.
However, as per the present context, individual living in modern society has lost their
contact with nature. This is due to increasing computerized standard of living and people are
addicted towards modern living which affects the natural environment (Jang, Lee and Ahn,
2011). Today's generation is living in such an environment which is fully enclosed with
technology and thus they do not think that natural environment is very essential for living in
society. The environmental art can be stated as the best range of artistic practices in order to
develop the nature in terms of art. However, it also helps in describing the natural world in order
to celebrate the personal engagement with nature. There are different environmental artists who
use painting, photography, experiments with light and sound, sculpture etc. in order to inspire
individual to get connected with the natural environment (Jordan and Lenschow, 2010).
In the early days, it can be stated that environmental art helps in developing from
landscape painting and representation. However, when artists think to create something they
always make a sense out of it and try to connect it with the surrounding environment. Also, it can
be evaluated that artists helps in developing a deep connection with the environment so that
crucial information can be provided to people (Lahr and Kooistra, 2010). Furthermore, people
living in the western society started moving away from agrarian living, farm culture and move
towards urban town and cities. Thus, through introducing such type of industrial revolution it
affects the natural environment and loses connection of individual living in modern society.
However, the work done by varied other painters such as Diane Burko represents the natural
phenomena and its change over time helps in conveying ecological issues and thus draws
attention towards climate change. Furthermore, Alexis Rockman's landscapes also helps in
showcasing a sardonic view of climate change and humankind’s interventions with other species
in order to develop genetic engineering (Morgan, 2012). On the other hand, the work done by
Olafur Eliasson represents that using varied elements such as light, water and air and thus attracts
viewers experience by providing them the best natural environment.
While, Andy Goldsworthy art is an extraordinary innovation that has been represented
through his photography. He states that photography plays a crucial role and helps in developing
each work alive for future. His art pieces have been kept in National Museum of Scotland.
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However, he often uses varied materials such as colored flowers, leaves, mud and snow etc. so
that nature can be depicted easily (Veziroglu and Macario, 2011). The artists also possess a
belief that both humans and individuals should have connection rather than disconnection.
Therefore, in order to inspire humans to connect with the environment it uses different
imagination and creativity. Also, artists are required develop their innovations in the form of
paintings and inform humans regarding their losing connectivity with natural environment.
Therefore, they need to focus on environmental protection and thus reconnect with the nature by
safeguarding it (WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ART? 2010).
For instance, here the work done by John Constable made great contributions in regard to
his sky paintings which were closely represented as the sky in nature. Also, his highly
recognized landscape painting and images of humanity were rooted in the beauty of nature. It
also provides a social message in regard of protecting the natural environment and developing a
great connection with human living in society (Morgan, 2012). The work done by Andy
Goldsworthy is an extraordinary and innovative British artist who helps in collaborating with the
nature in order to produce uniquely personal and intense artworks. Thus, seeing such as endless
range of natural materials such as snow, ice, leaves, stones, clay etc. helps in creating a range of
outdoor sculptures that shows a contact of nature with outside world. Goldsworthy also possess
the best photography skills and thus he captures the sculptures in his photographs before they
disappear (Veziroglu and Macario, 2011).
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Illustration 1: Goldsworhty art work
(Source: Davies, 2014)
Illustration 2: Goldsworthy art work
(Source: LaBelle, 2015)
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Furthermore, it has been assessed that nowadays people are not focusing on preventing
the environment and thus destructs the nature. Therefore, it is essential for them to reconnect
them with the natural environment with the aim to carry out their duty in order to protect the
environment and thus overcome the destructiveness caused to the nature. Thus, with the help of
such photographs it can be stated that Goldsworthy has high imagination in protecting the
environment (Kidd, Palmeri and Aslin, 2013). It also helps in providing information to mass
people so that they can create awareness among individuals and provide them information
regarding protecting the natural environment. Also, it can be assessed that in early days people
were mainly dependent upon nature for everything but nowadays they do not try to connect with
their natural environment. Thus, they are affecting the environment by polluting it and therefore
artists with the help of their imagination develop different art pieces in order to conserve the
environment (Wathern, 2013).
There are varied works and projects carried out by Olafur Eliasson in order to reconnect
individuals with natural environment. Thus, EcoArt is another artistic practice that helps in
sustaining the individuals and other resources of the world. However, it consists of different
artists, scientists, philosophers and activists that help in devoting the ecological art. Also, EcoArt
also helps in focusing on the systems and interrelationships within our environment. Further, it
helps in creating awareness, changing human behavior towards other species and motivates the
long term respect for the natural systems (Bodansky, 2010). Furthermore, the artists that lead to
develop environmental up gradation helps in reconnecting the individuals with the environment.
Following are the varied approaches to EcoArt that involves but not limited to-
 Representational artworks- It helps in revealing the information and conditions
primarily through developing image and objects with the intention to stimulate the
artwork (Porteous, 2013).
 Remediation projects- It helps in reclaiming or restore polluted and disrupted the
environment. All these artists often work by developing landscapes architects and urban
planners to achieve goals.
 Activist projects- Further, it helps in engaging, informing and activating change of
behaviors in order to develop the projects (Hoyos, 2010).
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 Social sculptures- It helps in developing socially engaged, time based artwork that
involves communities in monitoring their landscapes and portraits in order to provide
information to individual (Murphy and Morrison, 2014).
Furthermore, EcoArt helps in practicing that embraces an ethnic of social injustice in
both content and materials. It also helps in creating an environment so that they can inspire and
respecting the natural environment and connecting with individual. Also, it can be assessed that
environmental art plays the role of mediator between the modern society and nature so that
individual can be attracted towards it (WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL ART? 2010). They need
to taught and provided information regarding not polluting their natural environment and prevent
it from degrading. Therefore, activists such as painters, photographers started collecting pictures
and landscapes in order to convey a beautiful image of their environment and thus provide
information to humans in order to connect them with their natural environment.
However, there are varied challenging traditional sculpture artists who develop their art
gallery and exhibitions stating the cause to prevent environment pollution. For instance, it can be
stated that the artists not only depicts the landscapes but also engage it within their work. The
environmental art is nowadays an expanding term that helps in improving enthusiasm of
individuals in order to develop urban landscapes (Veziroglu and Macario, 2011). The main
purpose of artists is to improve the connection among environment and human beings.
Therefore, they work effectively by employing their imaginations and creativity in order to
protect the nature from greenhouse gases. For instance, Alan Sonfist introduced the key
environmentalist concept of bringing the nature back into the urban scenario. It can be evaluated
that Sonfist helps in contributing towards the development of environmental and green issues
among the individuals and thus work for protecting the environment (Morgan, 2012).
Furthermore, it can be stated that in the present world of environmental art it assesses that
different arguments can be made among two different categories of artists. First involves those
people who do not take into consideration the possible damage to the environment that their
artwork may create. While, another category is of those individual whose intention is to cause no
harm to nature (Jang, Lee and Ahn, 2011). Thus, in regard to this, criticism has been raised
against the European sculptor artist Christo. As he wrapped the coastline at Little Bay in the
south of Sydney in temporarily manner. Furthermore, there are varied contemporary artists that
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