Sustainable Art Exploration: Ecological-Visual-Anthropology Theory and Its Application Research

Li Chao; Thawascha Dechsubha

ผู้แต่ง

Li Chao Academy of Arts and Philosophy, Shinawatra Universit, Thailand.
Thawascha Dechsubha Academy of Arts and Philosophy, Shinawatra Universit, Thailand.

คำสำคัญ:

Sustainable Art, Ecological-Visual-Anthropology, Human–Nature Relationship, Interdisciplinary Practices

บทคัดย่อ

This study aims to (1) systematically review and explicate the intellectual origins and theoretical foundations of Ecological-Visual-Anthropology, and (2) apply anthropological approaches to analyze the visual expressions and cultural characteristics of sustainable artistic practices. Two sample groups were employed: the first comprised 78 representative sustainable art projects selected for analytical examination, and the second included 12 experts and scholars in anthropology and sustainable art. Data were collected through fieldwork, literature analysis, and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using qualitative interpretive methods.

The findings indicate that the intellectual origins of Ecological-Visual-Anthropology can be traced to three primary sources: early ethnography, visual anthropology, and ecological art in dialogue with anthropological inquiry. Based on these foundations, Ecological-Visual-Anthropology is defined as an interdisciplinary field that utilizes visual media to reveal how humans perceive, express, and construct relationships with the environment. Furthermore, analysis of the sample data suggests that, from the perspective of Ecological-Visual-Anthropology, sustainable art can be categorized into four types: (1) land art, where human interventions and natural environments co-create ecological spectacles; (2) ecological moving-image practices that document and narrate nature; (3) digital media art that simulates and reconstructs ecological perception; and (4) participatory ecological art that emphasizes collective engagement. These visual forms reconstruct and intensify environmental perception, fostering critical reflection on ecological issues. Overall, the study elucidates both the theoretical framework of Ecological-Visual-Anthropology and its practical applications in sustainable art. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between visual media and ecological environments, offering an interdisciplinary perspective for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

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