The art industry is making a big effort to lower its carbon footprint, with 70% of all collectors now taking “sustainability options” into account when purchasing or managing their collections. The term “sustainable art” embraces a wide range of concepts. It includes ecological art (art which through its subject advocates for environmental and ethical responsibility), land art (in which artists work with the environment to create artworks that are reflective of that place), and renewable energy art (take the case of wind sculptures, which accommodate wind turbines). For the average artist, however, the commencement of eco-friendly art begins with the choice of materials. One of the finest exponents of this philosophy is South Korean artist, Choi Jeong Hwa, who relies on used items and unwanted materials such as plastic items to create large-scale, colorful installations that confront viewers with their own wastefulness. Of the many materials available (both in new and recycled or upcycled form), one that is particularly sustainable stands out: bamboo—a quick-growing grass that matures in three to five years.
Why Bamboo?
In addition to being a quick grower, bamboo suits artistic works for many additional reasons. For instance, it rarely needs replanting, and it produces more oxygen than trees. What’s more, it requires no pesticides or chemical fertilizers and requires no irrigation. It also grows in a wide array of environments, and its production into fibers has a lower environmental impact than other forms of fibers. In many ways, bamboo is comparable to steel. Sustainable sculptors veer towards steel because of its low carbon footprint and surprising versatility. Like bamboo, steel can be bent and hammered into numerous shapes. For inspiration, see the graceful figure of a woman called “Akdeniz,” created by Turkish sculptor İlhan Koman, or the graceful “Millennium Arches” by Mexican sculptor, Sebastien. One thing these sculptures have with many bamboo artworks is the many curves and unique angles they contain, all of which are also achievable by bamboo.
Bamboo in Traditional Art
Bamboo abounds in the artistic traditions of the countries it grows in abundantly—especially countries from Asia. The earliest evidence of the use of bamboo in arts and crafts is Jōmon pottery from Japan, which dates back to 6,000 B.C. These days, artists still hark back to traditional techniques from the Nara (710-794) and the Heian (794-1185) periods, utilizing bamboo as a vessel for lowers for scattering during ceremonies. Indeed, traditional bamboo art was heavily centered on the creation of baskets that formed the basis for decorative floral arrangements that played a starring role in social and religious occasions. Another country that traditionally used (and still uses) bamboo for a host of arts and crafts is the Philippines. Bamboo features prominently in residential and outdoor sculptures, baskets, lamps, and a wide array of furniture. India has also used bamboo for centuries, to create everything from showpieces to delicate miniature sculptures.
Bamboo in Modern Art
Owing to its versatility, bamboo lends itself to even the wildest imaginations of avant-garde artists. One of the finest exponents of modern bamboo art is Yamaguchi Ryuun. Check out his work, Vortex, featuring a delicate “spiral within a spiral,” made up of ultra-fine strands of bamboo, joined through vertical stitching. Another eye-catching work is Floating Wheels by Honda Syoryu—an abstract, expressive piece whose work is consistently commissioned by the TAI Gallery. It features a kind-of raised “highway” whose pavement is transformed into curved tentacles that reach into the sky. Another famed bamboo artist is Noboru Fujinama, who was named as a “Living National Treasure” in 2012 and whose works can be found in top museums across the globe. He explains that what makes bamboo art so appealing is the act that “Each stick of bamboo is different.” As such, each piece requires understanding and the artist is called upon to exercise maximum creativity to place sticks of various shapes, widths, and lengths together to create memorable artistic pieces.
Bamboo is a sustainable and versatile material that holds great potential for artistic expression. Its quick growth, minimal environmental impact, and adaptability make it an ideal choice for eco-friendly art. From traditional crafts to modern avant-garde creations, bamboo continues to captivate artists and viewers alike, showcasing its unique beauty and contribution to the art world’s sustainability efforts.
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash.
