Representation of nature in art

Representations of Nature in Art: More Than Meets the Eye

When we think of art about nature, we often assume it's just a reflection of what is, a representation of the natural world without bias or hidden meanings. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Art about nature is often a re-presentation, a selection of what to include, what to highlight or exaggerate, and what to leave out. These choices reveal something about the artist, their cultural context, and the society they come from.

In Chinese landscape tradition, for example, soft blue and green color palettes have been associated with dreamlike, magical environments, where humans live in balance with nature. This tradition has been built upon over time, with contemporary Chinese artists like Xu Bing creating innovative installations that call attention to our current waste-filled reality.

Similarly, in 19th-century Europe and America, landscape artists often painted breathtaking, untouched landscapes that propped up the myth of Manifest Destiny. These representations ignored the presence of indigenous peoples and enslaved individuals, perpetuating a narrative of an empty, unpeopled land ripe for expansion.

However, not all art about nature is neutral. Some artworks, like Joseph Mallord William Turner's "Slave Ship" (1840), deliberately call attention to social problems like slavery. Others, like Thomas Moran's "Green River Cliffs, Wyoming" (1881), perpetuate harmful narratives by depicting indigenous peoples in a romanticized, idealized way.

In contrast, contemporary artists like Christi Belcourt and Maya Lin create art that highlights our connections to each other and the natural world. Belcourt's "The Wisdom of the Universe" (2014) emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, while Lin's "Storm King Wavefield" (2019) transforms a neglected area into a habitat for native grasses and wildlife.

Nature in art is not just a reflection of what is; it's a dialogue, a representation of human arguments, progress, religion, and our relationship to the environment. By examining these artworks, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which they were created. We can also appreciate the ways in which art has been used to challenge and subvert dominant norms and power structures, and to promote equality, justice, and inclusivity.

Art about nature is not just about nature; it's about us, our perceptions, biases, and relationships to the world around us.

In conclusion, representations of nature in art are complex and multifaceted, revealing as much about the artist and their context as they do about the natural world. By examining these artworks, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which they were created, and appreciate the ways in which art has been used to challenge and subvert dominant norms and power structures. Whether it's a traditional Chinese landscape, a 19th-century European painting, or a contemporary installation, art about nature is a reflection of our relationship with the world around us, and our place within it. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider our impact on the natural world, and our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.