As humans began to understand their place in the world, their relationship with nature also started to take shape. At the beginning of human history, nature was viewed as a source of fear, filled with uncertainties. Natural events could devastate living spaces, wild animals could pose threats to life, and unexplored territories and unknowns could endanger their existence. However, with the cognitive revolution, humans began to see nature not just as a being to be feared, but as an area to be explored, understood, and ultimately mastered. This change marked a significant turning point that enabled humanity to manipulate its environment and develop strategies for survival. 

As knowledge and technology advanced, humans gradually shifted from a mindset of fear to curiosity and innovation. They learned to cultivate the land, harness natural resources, and create tools that transformed their surroundings. This evolving relationship laid the foundation for civilizations, as people increasingly sought to coexist with nature rather than simply conquer it. Ultimately, this journey from fear to understanding paved the way for a more complex and nuanced interaction with the natural world, influencing cultures and economies throughout history.

The concept of nature, one of humanity’s most fundamental relationships, has gradually become one of the critical elements of art. Throughout history, artists have drawn inspiration from nature, reflecting its beauty, complexity, and chaos. In examining art history, we can observe a significant transformation toward the 20th century, following periods when nature was often treated superficially and depicted through a romantic lens. During this time, artists began to study nature not just as an object but as a complex system. Themes questioning the relationship between humans and nature began to emerge alongside the esthetic values of nature in artworks. In this context, nature shifted from being merely a backdrop or source of inspiration to occupying the center of artistic expression, prompting artists to develop new techniques and methods to explore the often-overlooked aspects of nature. 

The Industrial Revolution, as one of the significant turning points in human history, played a vital role in this artistic transformation. This led to a substantial increase in consumer culture and urban living. The technological advancements of this era changed the dynamics of human life, contributing to the growth of cities and the rise of industry. However, this rapid development came at a high cost, resulting in issues such as international economic crises and the irreversible destruction of natural habitats. Air pollution, the contamination of water resources, and various factors disrupting the natural balance forced people to confront environmental problems. 

By the mid-20th century, these factors led to a new awareness of ecological issues, fostering a tendency among people to advocate for and support ecological movements. Artists began to play a significant role in this transformation, creating works aimed at questioning the relationship between nature and humanity and raising awareness. Art evolved from merely reflecting society to becoming a form of activism, stimulating discussions about environmental degradation and the consequences of unchecked industrialization.

In this context, the late 1960’s marked a period when many artists began to reclaim nature. A desire to address environmental issues and a critique of the art market and gallery spaces drove this transformation. Artists, adopting a perspective that criticized the destruction of nature and the gallery environment, started creating their works in natural settings. One of the first significant examples of this new approach emerged with the artist Robert Smithson, who created works using natural materials found in the environment.

Following in Smithson’s footsteps, artists like Michael Heizer, Helen Mayer Harrison, Robert Morris, and Agnes Denes contributed to this movement through their installations featuring geometric forms in natural settings. However, the initial excitement surrounding the movement known as Land Art eventually became the focus of criticism. These critiques influenced some artist’s production processes, prompting them to shift from merely directing nature to aiming to heal it. They took steps to transform social awareness through large-scale environmental projects, leading to what began to be called Ecological Art. 

Sonfist’s “Time Landscape” project is one of the most significant examples of the ecological art movement. This project restores Manhattan, which was once covered by forests, by collaborating with local residents to return the area to its natural state. The project not only seeks to achieve an ecological transformation but also aims to revive collective memory and enhance environmental awareness. Today, this project has become a symbol of the efforts of both artists and communities to reconnect with nature. Artists’' ecological projects focus not only on the protection and restoration of nature but also on raising social awareness. For instance, Agnes Denes’s work “Wheatfield – A Confrontation” questions the importance of agriculture and nature during urban life, offering viewers a chance to reflect on environmental issues. Joseph Beuys used his art as a tool for social change, focusing on the preservation of nature and strengthening human relationships. Lynne Hull has developed respectful and sustainable projects, reexamining the relationship between art and ecosystems.

These artists have highlighted the potential of art for ecological awareness and social change by focusing on sustainable art projects. Each has developed different approaches to nature conservation and human-nature interaction, successfully increasing viewer’s sensitivity to environmental issues.

In addition to artists involved in large-scale ecological projects, there are also those who address ecological concerns through smaller works, relying on nature and using recycled materials. This research highlights Bilge Friedlaender, an exemplary artist who settled in the United States in the 1950s. Preferring materials derived from nature and handmade papers, she produces ecology-focused works that reflect her sensitivity to the environment. Friedlaender questions the surface of painting by using natural materials in her installation and printmaking practices, leading to artistic productions that reference her own life experiences.

The artist, who conducts research on space, has focused on the concept of placelessness following a personal experience, producing works that explore themes such as horizon and gravity. Generally described as having a minimalist approach, she tends to use geometric forms in her art. Issues related to the production process on canvas have led her to create works on paper, where the texture, line, and tear of the paper -essentially every state of the paper- constitute the foundation of her pieces. Additionally, she is interested in mythological themes, with one of her significant series being the Epic of Gilgamesh. Through her Gilgamesh exhibition, she created her first installation work, adding depth to the relationship between nature and humanity in the context of the themes she addresses.

The artist returned to Turkey in 1998 and began producing works in her homeland for a period. During this time, she held exhibitions under the guidance of Galeri Nev. The period when the Gilgamesh exhibition was created coincides with this phase of her work. She has also produced a print series using a technique called Chine Colle. By employing traditional printing techniques in innovative ways, she draws from handmade paper in her printmaking processes. This material, integrated into her art with ecological concerns, holds a significant place in her artistic practice. 

This research examines the emergence of ecological art and the works of artist Bilge Friedlaender, who adopted ecology-focused artistic practices. It has been observed that the artist adopts an artistic approach that embraces ecological thinking, taking a stand against the materialist world. Natural materials, such as handmade paper, guide her works, avoiding the occupation of space. Ecological art goes beyond being merely an esthetic form of expression, shedding light on profound social and environmental issues. In Friedlaender’s works, the depth of the relationship with nature provides the viewer with an opportunity to question the complex structure of nature and humanity’s place within it. This aspect highlights the impact of art on both individual and collective consciousness, allowing viewers to rethink their connections to nature through the artistic experience. In this way, the artist creates a societal transformation through her artistic practice. 

Ecological art has a significant potential to combine artistic expression with environmental sensitivity, offering viewers new ways of thinking. This art form encourages audiences to question their relationship with nature while also drawing attention to environmental issues. Artists like Friedlaender have become crucial tools for social transformation in this context. Their works are more than mere esthetic objects; they carry deep meanings and strive to foster social awareness. Their works transcend mere esthetic appeal; they embody profound meanings that resonate on multiple levels. By integrating natural materials and processes into their creations, these artists invite viewers to reflect on the intricate connections between humanity and the environment. Through this reflective process, ecological art aims not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action and advocacy for sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the journey from viewing nature as something to be feared to embracing it as an integral part of our existence underscores the importance of ecological awareness in art. As artists continue to explore this dynamic relationship, they will not only enrich the cultural landscape but also inspire meaningful change toward the environment. The ongoing dialog between art and nature will undoubtedly evolve, offering new insights and opportunities to promote a more sustainable future for our planet.