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By
DEBORAH NICOL
While most artists look
forward to the temporary space of a gallery to
display their work, Andy Goldsworthy accepts the
temporary aspect of the great outdoors --knowing
his sculpture may not last the day. Such is the
greatness of filming what has usually only been
viewed in still photography, as director Thomas
Riedelsheimer achieves appreciation and respect
for the artist.
Goldsworthy lives a slow and peaceful existence,
allowing time to wash over him much as the
elements wash over his sculptures. Often venturing
out to a site in the wee hours, Goldsworthy
assesses the materials of the environment, and
uses tools that only nature allows. Thorns provide
a sewing kit, spittle the glue to hold together
leaves, and the proper weighing of rocks maintain
a force to hold it all together. While building
great arches out of ice cut from a frozen river,
the advancing day may prove his enemy, and hours
of work may be for naught. While building a
pinecone structure out of rocks, the beach beneath
it proves unsteady foundation, and the sculpture
must be rebuilt four times. Frustration is obvious
in the eyes of the architect, and yet without an
inner calm he would not be able to continue this
profession.
Whereas most artists' media have been manufactured
and processed, Goldsworthy is rather like a god
playing with his creations. Though his sculptures
are striking and obviously affected by human
hands, there is something quite natural about
rearranging materials that were already there. The
organic effect is respectful of the land around
him, allowing the forms to settle with the winds
or waters. In fact, that seems to be the most
pleasing result for the artist -- what he cannot
control or predict in his sculpture's final
destination.
The music of Fred Frith and Raimund Ritz meld into
the art, as if the structures themselves were
creating the melodies. Wood blocks fall into slow
tribal rhythms, often easing into simplistic and
anticipatory beats as the audience waits to see if
a structure will stand. The documentary is a
beautiful representation of an art that is often
seen in snapshot, but should more often be viewed
with the passage of time.
DVD extras include shorts, basically comprised of
extended versions of the film's chapters. Also
included are still photos, and biographies of the
director and artist. |
