Who were the Earthworks painters and how did they address themes of the natural environment and the landscape?

Earthworks painters were a group of artists in the 1960s and 70s who sought to create works that directly engaged with the natural environment and the landscape. They moved away from traditional art mediums and techniques to use natural materials found in the environment, such as soil, rocks, and wood, to create their works. This movement was part of a larger trend in contemporary art known as Land Art, which sought to create art that was inseparable from its environment.

Earthworks painters used the natural materials to create installations that were often site-specific, meaning they were created for a particular location and could not be moved. They addressed themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, the fragility of the natural environment, and the impact of human activity on the landscape. Their works were often monumental in scale, and their use of natural materials meant that they were subject to the natural processes of decay and erosion.

One of the most well-known Earthworks painters is Robert Smithson, who created the iconic Spiral Jetty in Utah in 1970. The work is a 1,500-foot-long coil made of rocks and earth that juts out into the Great Salt Lake. Another notable artist is Richard Long, who often creates works by arranging stones or walking in patterns in natural landscapes.

The Earthworks movement was significant in bringing attention to environmental issues and the relationship between humans and nature. It also challenged traditional notions of art and the gallery system by creating works that could not be easily bought or sold.