While the idea of intentionally making Earth Art is really interesting and much more thought or statement can be put into it, I find the idea of unintentional Earth Art even more so. On such a large scale, the people altering the land in these ways for their livelihoods probably have no idea what their land looks like from above. I wonder if Mackenzie took these photos to any of these farmers. Not knowing that they're creating art and then creating something this beautiful in a habitual way out of necessity makes these photos really beautiful and insightful.Here you see the preoccupation of the farmer with time and cycles and how it fits into his daily life. This reminds me of a quote from Lippard's text: "The origins of time and of counting seem in turn to lie somewhere in between the cycles of the Earth and the moon (with the human body as its medium) and the lines of journey, a life, towards change" (77). The human body here is the farmer, and his dependence on the cycles and the subsequent necessity of routine in planting, growing, and harvesting his crop can clearly be seen from such great heights. I wonder what the farmer's perception of their land is... do these farmers think about what it looks like from above? Or do they just think of the soil, the time, the energy, and the closeness to the Earth that they feel in such a deep understanding of its intricate processes?
More of Mackenzie's work can be seen at: http://www.maxwellmackenzie.com/markings.php
5 comments:
I really like these photos. I think Mackenzie "makes" it art by individually and visually capturing the layout of the land. He uses his own creativity in taking the photos. And I like the idea, like with Goldsworthy's pieces, of the photo as the documentation becomes the artifact for something created that is susceptible to change. I think the idea of "art" is interesting also. I can't speak for the farmers, but I feel they are more concerned with whats happening on their level and not from the air. They probably don't label their fields as "art" although in many cases they should. Mackenzie seems to praise the work thats being done from below as well as the naturally occurring beauty resultant from a combination of the earth and hard work.
Yes ... that's the beauty of earth art ... you dont have to be an "artist" as we academically define them or even know that you have created something aesthetic, or even do so! Farms, farmers, gardens, community gardens are ALL forms of earth art and especially today, when we are more aware of the need for sustainable land use and self-surviving, communal existence, etc., we are together creating art as a collaborative group in our own back yards and open lots that relate to our farmers! ... I MUST go to that restaurant now!!!
Please keep this blog going Jessie!
Whew...I'm getting dizzy with all those lines! That is really cool and I totally agree that Earth Art isn't made for the sake of being art is special (in its own way). I definitely want to go and buy corn now, with some butter...mmmmm! Great stuff!
Oops...forgot to make my point about unintended art. A hard day's work outside when working with your hands builds a thousand little things you probably never intended or would otherwise pay attention too...I was a stone mason for a year and a half and I have to wonder how many sweet pics of rockpiles I missed...Sorry for the rant.
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