geoart

Geoart refers to art created by manipulating the Earth's surface to form images or patterns that are often visible from high altitudes. This practice can encompass a wide range of scales, from small gardens designed with specific visual elements to massive land art installations spanning acres. The primary characteristic of geoart is its integration with the landscape itself, utilizing natural materials like soil, rocks, vegetation, or water, or sometimes introducing man-made elements into the environment.

Historically, some forms of geoart have ancient roots, such as agricultural field designs or the creation of geoglyphs like the Nazca Lines in Peru. In contemporary art, geoart gained prominence in the land art movement of the 1960s and 70s, where artists sought to create works that were intrinsically linked to their natural surroundings. Artists often consider the environmental impact of their creations, with some geoart being ephemeral, designed to change with the seasons or eventually return to the earth. The concept also extends to more modern interpretations, including those created through digital means, though the traditional definition emphasizes physical alteration of the land. The creation of geoart can be a solitary endeavor or a large-scale collaborative project, often requiring significant planning and labor.