Landscape art has been a popular subject throughout art history, with many famous artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keeffe capturing the beauty of the natural world in their works. Today, contemporary landscape artists continue to push the boundaries of this genre, exploring new techniques and perspectives to capture the ever-changing landscapes of our world.
Contemporary landscape art is not just about painting beautiful scenery; it is also about capturing the essence of the natural world and the emotional response it evokes in the viewer. The works of contemporary landscape artists often focus on the impact of human intervention on the environment, highlighting the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
One contemporary landscape artist who embodies these ideals is Anselm Kiefer. Kiefer’s works are known for their grand scale and use of unconventional materials, such as lead, straw, and ash. His landscapes are often desolate and haunting, depicting a world that has been scarred by human intervention. Kiefer’s works challenge us to consider the impact of our actions on the environment and to take steps towards preserving our planet.
Anselm Kiefer,Lichtung (Clearing), 2015. Oil, emulsion, acrylic, shellac, silver sheets, iron wire and burnt books. 280 x 570 x 40 cm. © Anselm Kiefer Photo © Georges Poncet.
Another contemporary landscape artist who explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world is Maya Lin. Lin’s works often focus on the intersection of art, architecture, and the environment. Her installations, such as her “Wave Field” project, which consists of a series of undulating mounds of earth, are designed to highlight the beauty of the natural world and inspire viewers to consider their place in it.
The Wave Field, 1995. Francois Xavier Bagnoud Aerospace Engineering Building, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 105ft x 80ft x 3ft tall (10,000 sq. ft). Photography: Balthazar Korab
In addition to these two artists, there are many other contemporary landscape artists whose works are worth exploring. For example, David Hockney’s vibrant and colourful paintings of the English countryside capture the beauty of nature in a way that is both timeless and modern. Julie Mehretu’s abstract works are inspired by landscapes and explore the relationship between natural and built environments.
Road and Cornfields. East Yorkshire from “Midsummer: East Yorkshire”, 2004. Watercolour on paper. 15 x 22 1/2″. The David Hockney Foundation.
Contemporary landscape art is not just about capturing the beauty of the natural world; it is also about raising awareness of the fragility of our planet and the impact of human intervention on the environment. By exploring new techniques and perspectives, contemporary landscape artists are helping to inspire a new generation of artists and viewers to consider their place in the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.