JennahKay Dantzler – Living With The Earth

This portfolio focuses on the environmental art and work of Agnes Denes. Her work is focused on our environment and trying to connect to it as human beings. She has created many different environmental art pieces and is still working on some today. I will be showing three of her completed pieces that showcase her desire to live in harmony with the earth.

 Denes’ art encapsulates two themes shown in this portfolio: connecting with the planet, and nature reclaiming itself. Connecting with the planet is shown in the image above with the wheat field in the middle of Manhattan. The piece was meant to be thought-provoking, as the wheat was planted on a piece of land that cost 4.5 billion dollars. The land being used for something that some would consider unimportant as wheat versus an apartment building or something of that nature makes the point that we may be valuing the wrong things as humans.

The other theme of nature reclaiming itself is shown in the image above as well as the image below. The pieces are more natural in execution but are just as important as the wheat field. The mountain of trees provides not only new growth for the planet but also shows an interesting concept: the natural beauty of a forest planted in a modern, man-made design. The shape of the pyramid garden mimics a mountain, and although it appears in a city, reminds us of the earth and what it could be. These pieces are meant to show how the modern, often destructive plans of human beings are not as important as keeping and preserving nature for future generations. The natural aspects of these pieces are as beautiful as the intentions behind them.

Agnes Denes has many different types of works and art that she has created over the years. She doesn’t focus on one specific type of art, instead focusing on topics surrounding the environment. She has completed drawings as well, with many sitting in museums across the world. Her work is very simplistic and does not take away from or harm the environment. Her pieces only improve the well-being of the planet. For example, the wheat from the wheat field was donated to people in need. Her ability to make a point while maintaining the beauty of the earth and the areas that she works in is impactful and beautiful. She has been exhibiting her art and passion for the environment since the 1960s, and her work will continue to help and inspire generations to come.