What is Ephemeral Art?

Ephemeral art refers to any form of art that is temporary or short-lived in nature, typically lasting only for a brief period of time before disappearing or being dismantled. This type of art can take many forms, including performances, installations, sculptures, and even some types of paintings or drawings.

Ephemeral art is often created using unconventional materials or techniques that are not meant to last, such as ice as seen at some winter ice sculpture events, or sand like making a sand castle on the beach. The impermanence of the art is part of its appeal, as it creates a sense of immediacy and urgency for viewers to experience it before it disappears.

Some well-known examples of ephemeral art include Christo and Jeanne-Claude's large-scale installations, which often involved wrapping entire buildings or landscapes in fabric, and Andy Goldsworthy sculptures using natural elements such as leaves and stones. The image here is an example of a temporary art piece created by Andy Goldsworthy using leaves of various colors. 

Creating ephemeral art can be a great way to express your creativity!

Try This

Create your own ephemeral art! Next time you go for a walk, collect natural elements like sticks, leaves, and small stones. Build a small sculpture with your items or create a mandala by laying the items on the ground in a radiating circle. Take a picture of your art. 

You could continue adding to your art on each walk or simply admire your artwork and observe how it changes over time. 

References:

• Andy Goldsworthy
• Andy Goldsworthy Studio