Archie Hayes 
Jim Denevan stands out in the art world for his unique approach to creating art. His work is not confined to galleries or studios. Instead, he chooses the vastness of nature as his canvas, creating large-scale land artworks that merge art with the environment. These pieces are not just visual treats; they are experiences, shaping natural landscapes into stunning geometric designs.
Crafting Experiences in Nature
Denevan’s art is more than just creating shapes on land. He believes in building an experience, a journey through art and nature. His most famous works involve transforming beaches and deserts into canvases, where sand becomes the medium for his precise geometric shapes. This art is temporary, designed to be reshaped and eventually reclaimed by nature through the forces of time, weather, and tides.
“Self Similar” in Abu Dhabi
One of Denevan’s recent and remarkable works is “Self Similar,” located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. This installation is a part of Manar Abu Dhabi, an initiative that celebrates public art. It highlights the city’s landmarks and natural vistas, illuminated with the beauty of light and art.
“Self Similar” is set against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea on Abu Dhabi’s Fahid Island. The journey to this installation itself is an experience. Visitors cross a bridge aligned with the artwork’s geometry, entering a world where art and nature coalesce.
The Creative Process and Structure
Denevan describes his creative process as an invitation to viewers, an ‘entering into’ the artwork. This is evident in “Self Similar,” where visitors can walk through the composition, experiencing it from within. The installation is grand in scale, comprising 19 rings and 448 pyramids, covering nearly a square kilometer. At its highest point, the artwork reaches an impressive height of 27 meters.
Denevan on Art and Existence
In Denevan’s own words, “To be alive is to move and exist in relation to our physical world. Our body is a vehicle that contains our measure: the human scale. Beyond human scale, the very large or very small reaches toward human scale but eludes. The universe – the small and the large – extends from human scale and is perceived through human faculties, physical facts, shapes, and geometry. Within the larger and smaller is the intimate, references to our senses, the human touch.”
He continues, “Exploring ‘Self Similar’ reveals a construction of scale, relation, the tiny and the giant simultaneously speaking of sameness and radical difference. Towering clouds, a breath of air, tiny grains of sand, tall mounds and mountains, wind and weather systems, drops and bodies of water, pyramids, small and large.”
This perspective sheds light on the profound nature of his works. Denevan sees his art as an exploration of scale and relationship, where the minuscule and the immense coexist, speaking to both similarities and stark differences in the world around us.
Denevan’s Dual Talents: Artist and Chef
Jim Denevan‘s creativity isn’t limited to land art. He is also a renowned chef, a passion that complements his artistic endeavors. In 1999, he founded “Outstanding in the Field,” a unique dining concept. This project brings people together to dine at temporary tables set in stunning locations, combining the pleasures of gastronomy with the beauty of nature.
The Philosophy Behind His Work
There is a common theme in both his culinary and artistic works: organic impermanence. Whether setting tables for a one-of-a-kind dining experience or creating temporary land art, Denevan embraces the transient nature of his creations. This philosophy is a statement about the fleeting moments of beauty and the importance of experiencing them fully.
Artistic Range and Scale
Denevan’s installations vary greatly in size and scale. Some are modest compositions on beaches, while others are massive interventions stretching over miles, each responding to the unique characteristics of the site.
Manar Abu Dhabi and Beyond
Manar Abu Dhabi, the event showcasing “Self Similar,” continues until January 30, 2024. This event is a celebration of art in public spaces, bringing light and creativity to the city’s landmarks. For those interested in exploring more of Denevan’s work, his website offers a wealth of information and visual documentation of his various projects.
A Unique Music Video Collaboration
In addition to his land artworks, Denevan’s creativity has extended to other mediums. Earlier this year, a music video directed by Owen Brown of CTRL5 featured his artwork. The video, with music by the band ARIZONA, centered around a 90,000-square-foot installation by Denevan in a dry riverbed in the American Southwest. This collaboration further showcases the versatility of Denevan’s art and its ability to inspire and integrate with different art forms.
Jim Denevan’s art transcends traditional boundaries, blending geometry with nature and creating experiences that are both visual and visceral. His works, be they on sand or through a dining experience, emphasize the beauty of impermanence and the importance of engaging with the environment. As “Self Similar” continues to captivate visitors in Abu Dhabi, and his various projects gain international recognition, Denevan’s influence in the art world grows, reminding us of the powerful connection between art, nature, and human experience.
