The use of water in contemporary art after 1960

Throughout history, human beings have been close to water due to their need for existence and survival of their vitality. They established the first settlements by the water and searched for healing for diseases. They were sometimes afraid of the power of water and sacrified it. Water, which has a great importance in the history of humanity, also affected artists. The concept of water is often encountered in art history with the landscape paintings and mythological descriptions. This thesis examines how contemporary artists, who do not see water as a mere material or complementary element, conceptually transform it into a means of expression in their post-1960 works. While approaching the subject, human approach to water has been researched throughout history. The physical and chemical properties of water, its place in the history of philosophy, mythology and religions and the place in life process were researched, and then how water was considered and treated by contemporary artists in their works after 1960 was analyzed. During the study, it was observed that, taking the advantage of the different states of water, processes that demonstrate change and transformation were exhibited in art production after 1960. It was found out that its spreading in a place made people experiencer rather than pursuer and it was also found out that the reasons artists use water in their works are different as it results from its vital importance.