Classical and Eco art comparison
Sustainable art and design
Marcellus J. Gilmer
In this writing assignment I will attempt to compare and contrast Eco art with Classical
art. I will provide evidence to support the similarities and evidence to shed light on the
differences between the two. This paper is will include my opinion of the validity of both art
styles throughout in the comparison. So the first thing you must ask yourself is what are the facts
that separate and join these two different art era’s.
To begin any comparison you would normally define the items, concepts, ideal or
whatever it is that you are trying to compare. As far as classical art is concerned the Definition is
fairly straight forward and while it may not capture all that classical art really is it will give you a
reference point for your comparison. Oxford Dictionaries defines classical as “(typically of a
form of art) regarded as representing an exemplary standard; traditional and long-established in
form or style.” This will be the basis for referencing classical art for the rest of this paper. Some
other descriptive words for classical art are sober, dignified, confident, literal, historical and
political. These words describe what the art, typically paintings, looks like. The artists of the
time strove to embody these themes in their works. With this in mind we can now look into
defining eco art. This art form is “best described as a roof under which live many different
styles” (http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-environmental-art-definition-history-
movement.html) Eco art has many different ways to attain one goal and none of them are
incorrect. It is eco art as long as it promotes connectedness with nature and/or brings awareness
to the damage that humans anthropocentric lifestyle is doing to the earth. Also some eco artists
create artworks that will help to guide humans along a more sustainable and environmentally
friendly future. So now that we have a conceptual understanding of the two art forms we can
point out some of the similarities and differences.
The most obvious difference between classical and eco art in my opinion would have to
be the separation in era. Classical art is one of the very early recognized art forms while at the
other end of the spectrum sits Eco art. Classical art is very well understood conceptually and the
medium is well documented. Eco art however is a very new and still growing and changing art
form. Classical art has had its time and flourished, grew and influenced new art forms. Eco Art
on the other hand is currently evolving and has not yet reached its end potential.
Another difference between the two art forms is what medium is acceptable. Back in the
ages of classical art the selection of medium was quite narrow compared to what we have
