Definition & Meaning of "land art"

What is "land art"?

Land art is an art movement that began in the 1960s, where artists create large works directly in natural landscapes. These artworks are often made from natural materials like rocks, soil, and plants, and are intended to interact with or change the environment. Key artists in this movement include Robert Smithson and Nancy Holt. Land art focuses on the relationship between art and nature, and often emphasizes the use of natural forms and processes. The art is usually created in outdoor settings and can be temporary or permanent, blending with the landscape and sometimes challenging traditional ideas about what art is.