Curriculum Unit: Land Art
Focus Artist: Andy Goldsworthy
Theme: Impermanence
Objectives/ Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
· Describe political and cultural influences in the Land Art Movement
· Identify how and why rhythm is used in art
· Identify the importance of photography in Land Art
· Conceptualize an idea for their project
· Discuss principles of design and elements of art
Unit Rationale:
Land Artists like Andy Goldsworthy create installations in nature that are often impermanent. The impermanent nature of their work gives Land Artists the opportunity to explore concepts that are fleeting and exists within natural environments. In exploring these concepts, students will reflect on a memory that is important to them and that they would like to use as inspiration for their own installation. They will learn how to develop a concept for their art, as well as how to take a successful photo to document their work. Students will also utilize what they learned about rhythm in Land Art and apply it to their own artwork.
1. Andy Goldsworthy (1956-) Horse chestnut patch, green to yellow, torn leaves, with spit.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 1987. Cibachrome Print.
2. Andy Goldsworthy (1956-) Wet yellow elm leaves stick to a smooth, fallen elm tree.
Dumfriesshire, 2011. Ephemeral Works 2004- 2014 Art Book.