Rivers and Tides

Thomas Riedelsheimer's 2001 documentary follows the work of the Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy leaves the sculptures he makes from ice, leaves, stone and branches out in nature; the works melt, collapse or dissolve into water within hours or days. The film presents that transience not as loss but as the work itself. Its strength is patience: the camera watches a structure being built from beginning to end and stays there when it falls. Goldsworthy's failures are in the film too; an ice sculpture breaks three times and all three are shown. Fred Frith's music sets the pace. The artist's own commentary is plain and free of theoretical language. Who it's for: viewers who like contemporary art, the relationship with nature and slow documentary. Who it's not for: anyone wanting dense art history, or who will find a structure without plot wearing.