Konstantin Dimopoulos’ “The Blue Trees” is what is known as environmental art. Like “land art” or “earthworks”, environmental art makes use of nature to create nondestructive art. “The Blue Trees” is at first a little underwhelming, after all, at its core it is literally just a tree painted blue. But as I have come to understand, it is actually an ongoing project with an important message. The formal elements of “The Blue Trees” did not seem to be too complex. The color used to paint the trees is a bright “ultramarine” blue that, as a cold color, contrasts with the warm light pink blooms that rested on the branches of the trees. The decision the pick blue of all colors is interesting, while it is a natural color, associated with the sky and
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Painting the trees bright blue is intended to force the viewer to truly see the trees. Because while trees are incredibly important to human beings from a scientific standpoint, their importance is often forgotten because of their relative commonness in certain areas. By making these trees an art piece, Dimopoulos elevates the status of the trees, making them both more valuable and eye-catching, giving them the spotlight they deserve. After viewing “The Blue Trees”, I did a little research (even though I’m aware it is unnecessary to this paper) because I felt a genuine interest in what the artist was trying to accomplish. I learned that the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga is not the only place that hosts these blue trees, they’re installed in many places across the country, specifically urban areas. I also learned that the blue paint is safe and water based, making it attractive aesthetically and morally. Konstantin Dimopoulos’ “The Blue Trees” succeeds as both a beautiful work of art and an important statement against the neglect of trees. In doing this work he’s raised awareness of how people take trees’ importance for granted. One of the things I liked best about “The Blue Trees” is how is adds a layer of whimsy, or even surrealism to the environment around it. Though environmental art is a very modern movement, I think it has staying power as long as artists like Dimopoulos are motivated
Painting the trees bright blue is intended to force the viewer to truly see the trees. Because while trees are incredibly important to human beings from a scientific standpoint, their importance is often forgotten because of their relative commonness in certain areas. By making these trees an art piece, Dimopoulos elevates the status of the trees, making them both more valuable and eye-catching, giving them the spotlight they deserve. After viewing “The Blue Trees”, I did a little research (even though I’m aware it is unnecessary to this paper) because I felt a genuine interest in what the artist was trying to accomplish. I learned that the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga is not the only place that hosts these blue trees, they’re installed in many places across the country, specifically urban areas. I also learned that the blue paint is safe and water based, making it attractive aesthetically and morally. Konstantin Dimopoulos’ “The Blue Trees” succeeds as both a beautiful work of art and an important statement against the neglect of trees. In doing this work he’s raised awareness of how people take trees’ importance for granted. One of the things I liked best about “The Blue Trees” is how is adds a layer of whimsy, or even surrealism to the environment around it. Though environmental art is a very modern movement, I think it has staying power as long as artists like Dimopoulos are motivated