Art in the Age of Anthropocene

Catalog description

This course explores the intersection of art, nature, and environmental consciousness, focusing on both historical and contemporary practices in Environmental Art and Ecological Art. Environmental art encompasses a broad range of artistic responses to the natural world, including monumental land art, site-specific works, and projects engaging with environmental systems. We will examine how artists use natural materials, processes, and landscapes to create works that reflect their relationship with nature, from rural to urban contexts. Ecological art, an evolving subfield, places a deeper emphasis on ecological systems and social responsibility. This practice emerged with a strong ethical focus in the late 20th century, as artists began to address ecological degradation, climate change, and restoration efforts. Students will engage with interdisciplinary approaches that merge art, science, and philosophy, while also considering how artists address ecological crises and sustainability. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on projects, students will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental and ecological art, analyzing how these works communicate cultural, social, and environmental concerns.