What defines site-specific art?

Site-specific art is primarily characterized by its intrinsic connection to a particular location. This type of art is designed specifically for one location, meaning its materials, conception, and execution are tailored to that setting, and it is not intended to be moved or exhibited elsewhere. The relationship between the artwork and its environment is often fundamental to the work's meaning and impact; it engages with the site's physical, historical, cultural, or geographic context. By focusing on a unique location, site-specific art can evoke responses and interactions that are deeply rooted in that area, which may be lost if the piece were to be relocated.

In contrast, art that can be displayed in various venues highlights versatility and adaptability, lacking the singular focus on a specific site that defines site-specific art. Artwork created in response to a community might seem similar, but this description applies more to community-based art or participatory art, which prioritizes social engagement over physical location. Finally, art intended for exclusive online viewing does not engage with a physical space in the way that site-specific art does, as it exists in a digital realm rather than a particular site or environment.