2001, Germany/Finland/UK
Biography, Documentary
While most artists look forward to the temporary space of a gallery to display their work, Andy Goldsworthy accepts the temporary aspect of the great outdoors, knowing his sculpture may not last the day. Such is the greatness of filming what has usually only been viewed in still photography, as director Thomas Riedelsheimer achieves appreciation and respect for the artist in Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working with Time.
Goldsworthy lives a slow and peaceful existence, allowing time to wash over him much as the elements wash over his sculptures. Often venturing out to a site in the wee hours, Goldsworthy assesses the materials of the environment and uses tools that only nature allows. Thorns provide a sewing kit, spittle the glue to hold together leaves, and the proper weighing of rocks maintains a force to hold it all together. While building great arches out of ice cut from a frozen river, the advancing day may prove his enemy, and hours of work may be for naught. While building a pinecone structure out of rocks, the beach beneath it proves unsteady foundation, and the sculpture must be rebuilt four times. Frustration is obvious in the eyes of the architect, and yet without an inner calm he would not be able to continue this profession.
Whereas most artists' media have been manufactured and processed, Goldsworthy is rather like a god playing with his creations. Though his sculptures are striking and obviously affected by human hands, there is something quite natural about rearranging materials that were already there. The organic effect is respectful of the land around him, allowing the forms to settle with the winds or waters. In fact, that seems to be the most pleasing result for the artist -- what he cannot control or predict in his sculpture's final destination.
The music of Fred Frith and Raimund Ritz meld into the art, as if the structures themselves were creating the melodies. Wood blocks fall into slow tribal rhythms, often easing into simplistic and anticipatory beats as the audience waits to see if a structure will stand. The documentary is a beautiful representation of an art that is often seen in snapshot, but should more often be viewed with the passage of time.
DVD extras include shorts, basically comprised of extended versions of the film's chapters. Also included are still photos and biographies of the director and artist.