Traces of Memory: Natural Materials and Phenomenology in Contemporary Art

Abstract

This article aims to explore the potential of natural materials in contemporary art through the study of five selected artists: Andy Goldsworthy, Walter De Maria, Anselm Kiefer, Alexandra Kehayoglou and Giuseppe Penone, using a phenomenological approach to examine the material phenomena in two key aspects: 1) the fundamental characteristics such as hardness, softness, fluidity, or decay, observed both as inherent properties and as intentionally presented by the artists; and 2) the cultural processes through which these materials are made visible within specific contexts, including the historical background related to the artists and objects. The study reveals five significant themes: 1) traces of existence, representing the passage of time through material transformations; 2) the presence of absence, evoking awareness of nature often overlooked; 3) the silence of materials, highlighting the value of simplicity in natural forms; 4) the stillness of motion, fostering dialogue between humans and landscapes; and 5) rootless roots, reflecting natural processes of transformation and change. The findings demonstrate that natural materials possess the potential to create profound connections between humans and the natural world, serving as mediums for recording the passage of time, memory, and place, while encouraging a deeper understanding of the importance of balance between human activity and nature in the contemporary context.