Basserode's Alchemical Land Art: 'Espace naturel sonore'
French artist Basserode creates 'Espace naturel sonore' (1987-1989), an organ-like installation using earth mounds, turf, pipes, and an air pump. Sound emissions guide grass growth in varied orientations. Despite his frequent use of organic materials, Basserode is not an environmental artist but an alchemist who 'composes places' and materializes fables through formal constraints. His work counters trends of dispersion and reliance on new technologies.
Key facts
- Basserode created 'Espace naturel sonore' between 1987 and 1989.
- The installation uses earth mounds, turf, pipes, and an air pump.
- Sound emissions direct grass growth in different orientations.
- Basserode frequently employs organic materials.
- He is not considered an ecological artist.
- His practice is described as alchemical.
- He aims to 'compose places' and embody fables through formal constraints.
- His work opposes the trend toward dispersion and new technologies.
Entities
Artists
- Basserode
Sources
- artpress —