Ann Hamilton

Rating:
Summary: **Eccentrically natural collection of twisted environments
Review: Practically all of the environments and sculptural works in Artists, Land and Nature are presented as large photos, (if not full page), in full color format, and there are at least 100 of them. Certainly making this book eye candy, equal to the Andy Goldsworthy books. The artwork therein is an immediately curious collection of mountains and fields, brick walls and stone stacks. It is nearly impossible to describe the natural and psychological effects these new worlds create, thus making each photo worth well over 1000 words.

While this collection of earth works evokes a sense of secret gardens of a sort, I disagree that this compilation of artists defines the land and environmental art movement. There are only five artists surveyed (Herman De Vries, Chris Drury, Nikolaus Lang, Richard Long, and Giuseppe Pennone) done in an interview style. Perhaps the Amazon.com and Booklist notes included on this page are confusing? It is true to say these are some of the most contemporary artists and their decision to work in, and empathy for the environment, is what binds them. Still, where are the others; Patrick Dougherty, David Nash, Robert Smithson, Christo, Andy Goldsworthy, Walter Di Maria, Bruce Mclean and many others?

This is an excellent find for what it does have. A sound grouping of artists, interviews and stunning photos. While wanting to recommend it especially to artists, landscape architects, gardeners and general out-of-doors types, I feel it's going to be even more fascinating to people newly introduced to the subject. Anyone with a flare for the eccentrically natural will be pleased with what they find in Artists, Land and Nature.