Current Trends in Ecological Art

This study examines artworks of fifteen current ecological artists and ways in which their work remediates, reclaims, and restores ecologies. Art history reveals an evolution of this art from the onset of Land Art and Environmental Art in the 1960’s to art as activism and an interdisciplinary approach to restoring blighted ecologies. The intent of the represented ecological artists is to address the well-being of ecosystems and to educate the public in the process. These artists must work in site specific areas that are in need of restoration or remediating. Many of the works fall into categories of water, land and soil, and public education, awareness, and participation although sometimes their processes involve all. Many of the artists collaborate with scientists and engineers in order to make all of their processes and visions work accurately and sustainably. These artists represent trends in ecological art processes and the research suggests their work makes significant and positive changes in ecologies and communities. As ecological and environmental issues are being brought more and more to the attention of society, the works of these artists can be seen as significant solutions to some of the ecological site specific problems