The Aesthetics of Agricultural Landscapes and the Relationship between Humans and Nature Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The continuum between nature and artefact is occupied by objects and environments that embody a relationship between natural processes and human activity. In this paper, I explore the relationship that emerges through human interaction with the land in the generation and aesthetic appreciation of industrial farming in contrast to more traditional agricultural practices. I consider the concept of a dialectical relationship and develop it in order to characterise the distinctive synthesising activity of humans and nature which underlies cultivated environments. I argue that a more harmonious relationship, and greater aesthetic value, may be located within traditional farming landscapes. This position is supported and illustrated through a discussion of two agricultural practices in the UK, hedge-laying and stonewalling. 2006 Taylor & Francis.

published proceedings

  • Ethics Policy & Environment

author list (cited authors)

  • Brady, E.

citation count

  • 38

complete list of authors

  • Brady, Emily

publication date

  • March 2006