Passage

by Andy Goldsworthy

A visual exploration of journeys that people, rivers, landscapes, and other natural objects take through space and time includes depictions inspired by the interrelated works of a Scottish sculptor, an elm forest's reflection of history, and the "Garden of Stones" holocaust memorial at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Nature, Photography, Visual Art

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2004

About the author

Andy Goldsworthy is an English sculptor, photographer and environmentalist living in Scotland who produces site-specific sculpture and land art situated in natural and urban settings. His art involves the use of natural and found objects, to create both temporary and permanent sculptures which draw out the character of their environment.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning stuff, the use of colours here was very psychedelic, at least now I have finally seen a use for dandelions. :-)

One thought kept occurring to me as I gazed at photos of giant stone eggs and ice spikes coming out of rocks....how insane would it be to stumble across an Andy Goldsworthy piece of art in the woods and have no idea what it was. It could really freak you out, having that sort of effect on somebody makes this proper art.

Fantastic stuff.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 stars for the amazing art it records, but it was a bit disappointing as a book. It is a lot wordier than I was expecting, and I think more so than the other book by this artist that I read before (though maybe not; it was a while ago). That isn't necessarily a bad thing, it can actually be sort of interesting to read the thought that went into the projects, or to compare the artist's thoughts on his work with the reviews or articles by third parties that are included. The problem though is that the text tends to be concentrated and not sufficiently interwoven with the pictures. And there is a strong tendency for the artist to talk about works that aren't pictured, and conversely for many of the included pieces to have no explanation.

[Ellice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive images combined with generally interesting explanatory diary entries that explain how Andy Goldsworthy puts together his nature-based artworks. There is a level of obsession there that is both admirable and hard to understand. But the gorgeous end-results speak for themselves.

[Stacy LinDell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was wonderful for the photographs of his works, but also for the text. Some articles written about him and his work, as well as journal entries giving insight to his work process, his challenges, and his insights. Highly recommended!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

His art is always beautiful and inspiring. What I enjoyed best about the book, though, were his journal entries while he’s creating the pieces.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Andy Goldsworthy. I absolutely love his artistic endeavors, encompassing nature, rock/stone, leaves, twigs, etc., creating breathtaking wonders.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of "land art" before reading this book. However, there has been a screenshot of circles of stones along a Scottish shoreline that has moved and delighted me for years. I don't know if Goldsworthy was the artist of those pictures that I have kept and treasured and looked at again and again and again. But I do know that I will look at his images again and again in years to come.

Not only do his sculptures express the human relationship to land and place, but they are beautiful, and ephemeral. I was shocked to discover in the book that many of his creations are left to be dismantled with the tides, or to dissolve back into the forest, or to melt into the river they are suspended above. How true, and right, and perfect! Yet some of Goldsworthy's sculptures are meant to endure, like the cairns he built in Scotland, Long Island, and San Diego. These installations are riveting also, but in general move me less than those in more natural settings.

With the following exception: the book documents an installation at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC. It is a scattering of hollowed out, massive boulders, into which scrappy little chestnut oaks have been planted so that they seem to spring from the rock itself. These small oaks were planted by Holocaust survivors as a memorial to the 6 million murdered by the Nazis. I must say, reading this section of the book and viewing the creation of this moving tribute had me in sudden shower of tears -- so unexpected! "One survivor said as she filled the stone [with soil] that she had spent two years in Auschwitz, and lost six members of her family to the gas chambers, and that now she had a place to bury them."

We plan to go to NYC this fall -- I hope to have the opportunity to view Goldsworthy's tribute then.

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those unfamiliar with Goldsworthy's art, familiarize yourself. The journal entries brilliantly complement their photographs of ephemeral and permanent work (Who's to say they are not all permanent or all ephemeral?). I continually wished to step into the photographs and experience the work fully, but alas, they only tantalize.

"Passage" is close cousin to "Time", perhaps a theme developed from time. It frames works made just after "Time" as operating in a smaller scale of time, most wonderfully the wide-angle photo sequences of Three Cairns.

P.S. When I reread this, I will specify particularly good entries to make this review more useful.

[Sheindal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If one is a genius, then one can cross continents, cultures...worlds even. In this extraordinary account Andy Goldsworthy from Anglican Yorkshire comes to New York and manages to turn every other Holocaust Memorial out there, on their heads. This is a living breathing memorial. it is about triumph, it is about the victory of time. I won't spoil it but remarkably moving.

[Megan Clardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful photos and a glimpse into the artist's inspiration. I am amazed at his diligence and the length of time spent photographing his work. I love the non-attachment that is displayed as his work is consumed by nature. Makes me want to go find some brightly colored leaves and pin them with thorns. Inspiring.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. Goldsworthy constructs art from natural elements he finds, and this book concentrates on constructions showing the passage of objects in time and space. You can't imagine the beauty and ephemerality of his art until you see it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using found natural materials like clay, leaves, bark, sticks, rocks, and ice, Andy creates shockingly beautiful and fragile structures. Everyone should pick up a book of photographs of Andy Goldsworthy's sculptures, because that's probably the only way they'll ever see one of his works of art.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations of inspirational work.

[Brigette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photography of Goldsworthy's land art is gorgeous. Since most of his art is ephemeral and/or far away, his books are the best way for most of us to see his work.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivated to look at his books once more because I just watched "Rivers & Tides" again. Collaborating with nature. Sigh.

[Lafcadio · Rating 3 out of 5]

More bright assembly on dark substrate. Love Goldsworthy's work.

[Keith Climpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunningly beautiful book of inspiring creativity - Land Art has never looked so good!

[Ginny]

Interesting photography

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just absolutely amazing. Also an excellent peek into the artist's mind.

[Elizabeth Matthews]

great visuals