Since the end of the ’60s, Hamish Fulton has rooted his art in strolls that he embarks on as a “pedestrian artist.” Walking, the sensation of movement and the bond with nature lie at the core of his creative praxis. In contrast to the approach of Land Art, which physically intervenes in the landscape or employs found objects to create pieces, Fulton strives to leave minimal traces. He does not aim to alter the landscapes he encounters during his walks, instead highlighting the experience as the foundation of his craft.
In addition to taking solitary or accompanied walks, Fulton also participates in guided summit hikes and, since the ’90s, has initiated “public walks” in urban areas, inviting interested individuals to join. Walking becomes a crucial element of the group dynamic, with participants following only a few conceptual instructions from the artist during a set time frame.
Fulton’s displayed works – photographs, drawings, murals, or wooden pieces – are conceptualized representations of his walking experiences, initially serving as markers of absence: they bear witness to past encounters that have now become memories. The pieces evoke completed “art walks” in a condensed form, creating spaces for viewers to associate and imagine. Language holds a fundamental role in Fulton’s art; since the 1970s, each piece includes a “walk text,” succinctly outlining the walk often with distinct typography. Fulton also publishes his work in a multitude of artist books.
www.ftn-books.com has several important Fulton publications available.
