What is installation art primarily characterized by?

Installation art is primarily characterized by large-scale construction and mixed media. This art form often transforms a space into a cohesive experience, inviting viewers to engage with their surroundings in a unique way. By utilizing multiple materials and forms—such as sculpture, video, sound, or found objects—installation art seeks to create an immersive environment that challenges traditional ideas about art and encourages interaction. This distinction from other art forms is significant as it allows artists to explore complex themes and concepts through spatial arrangement and the use of various mediums, significantly enhancing the viewer's emotional and intellectual experience.

In contrast, options that focus on traditional techniques or single mediums do not align with the nature of installation art, which is about creating an entire space rather than concentrating on a singular artistic approach. Likewise, while some installations may have elements of permanence, many are designed to be temporary and site-specific, allowing for flexibility and variation in each exhibition.