Intervenciones artísticas en “espacios naturales”: España (1970-2006)

This PhD thesis reviews a type of artistic activity in natural areas that was popular in Spain in 1970-2012 and analyses how it was influenced by the works of the so-called Land Art movement. After clarifying the meaning of the concept ‘natural areas’, the work reviews the origin of Land Art, one of the trends that emerged in the late 1960s whose followers created art in the deserts of the western USA. It highlights the fact that artists left their studios, not only in response to the commercialization of art, but also as search for new creative processes. Next, this thesis analyses the Spanish art scene and some of its most representative artists, pointing out how many artists were influenced by Land Art. It then discusses some art and nature centres and some calls for more art in natural spaces, and discusses the centres that have operated in the most rigorous and continuous way. Finally, it describes the work of some emerging artists grouped according to the topics they address in their work.