Nature and the world around us have inspired generations of artists over the centuries. The landscape has remained a major and popular theme in art from the 17th Century to the present day; it’s something that can connect us with our locality and give us a sense of home.
Contemporary art has often highlighted environmental issues, as the world we live in changes. Artists tell the story of the here and now, offering us a narrative for our experiences. So how does art raise awareness of the dangers facing the planet? Can it offer a way of forcing us to think differently about the way we exploit it?
The selection of artworks below looks at the human impact on our world, and the ways contemporary artists have responded to nature and the environment.
Artworks
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
CRABTREE, Jack
© Jack Crabtree/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Taylor, Lisa Eurgain
© Taylor, Lisa Eurgain/The National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
Pugh, Tim
© Pugh, Tim/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
PERRY, Mike
© Mike Perry/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
ARNATT, Keith
© Keith Arnatt Estate. All Rights Reserved. DACS 2025/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Morgan, Tony Steele
© Morgan, Tony Steele/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
AKOMFRAH, John
© Smoking Dogs Films, All Rights Reserved. DACS 2025/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
NASH, David
© David Nash. All Rights Reserved. DACS 2025/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Howard-Jones, Ray
© Howard-Jones, Ray/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
HEPWORTH, Barbara
© Bowness/Barbara Hepworth/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
SEAR, Helen
© Helen Sear. All Rights Reserved. DACS 2025/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Lek, Karel
© Lek, Karel/The National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
Jones, Meirion
© Jones, Meirion/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
JOHNSON, Nerys
© Nerys Johnson Estate/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
BAUMGARTNER, Christiane
© DACS 2025/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
HOWARD-JONES, Ray
© Nicola Howard-Jones/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Hayes, Maria
© Hayes, Maria/The National Library of Wales