Sculpture is that art that stands side-by-side with other expressive forms of art such as painting and photography to convey the yearnings and emotions of humankind. Besides, the human body has been one of its preferred subjects to recreate.
Sculpting artists have shown representations, ideas and obsessions about the human body all over the centuries. Such sculptors were and are passionate observers of the human anatomy as they see it on the surface. Also, concept of symmetry, balance and movement are conveyed with human body sculptures according to the impression of the artists. Other forms of sculpture that are more contemporary can be, light works, multi media, abstract forms or found objects.
The pieces of art, carved in different materials like wood, clay, marble, steel, bronze, concrete, and many others are either executed in realistic, life-like depictions. Some artists must be keen observers of the unique differences between the male and female anatomy because they exclusively and elaborately sculpt the separate uniqueness to their sculptures. The others artists creating public works must be able to make wsculptures that are archival, will withdtand the elements, won’t fall over, be earthquake proof, and have no sharp edges that would hurt the viewer.
Sculptures & Other Art Forms
The sculpture is a three-dimensional art, having width, length, and height. It can be performed on any material that can be carved bit by bit. Comparatively, painting expresses art through a surface. Any artist can also paint on any surface that he/she desires like a canvas or even a wall. However, it’s two-dimensional and doesn’t interject into space.
Besides, photography is the art form somewhat like painting because it’s also two-dimensional. But, you can walk around a sculpture and still see parts of it; however, you can only walk in front of a painting or photograph to be able to appreciate it.
But both painting and sculpture take a much longer time to accomplish ranging from hours, days, months, or even years compared to photography. However, with digital photography, it only takes a few minutes or even seconds to take a picture that is art worthy. In this age of modernity, it still takes a few days to accomplish an art-worthy sculpture or painting.
Sculpting Materials
When it comes to sculpting, any material that can be chiseled into a 3D form can be used. Also, many other materials can be used to make non- representational artworks. The sculptures that we are used to seeing last for centuries like those sculpted in stone, marble, bronze or steel. However, certain sculptures only last for hours like ice sculptures, which eventually melt after being appreciated for some time.
Classic Vs Modern
Sculptures from former centuries were fixated on tradition, biblical personalities and events. Their depiction of the human anatomy was almost, whether they emitted a positive or negative emotional depiction. Also, such sculptures were almost life-like in representation.
Conversely, modern sculptures also have realistic aspects of their form, but gradually, most present-day sculptures are in abstract form. And, they don’t always follow old-fashioned sculpting of bodies with one head, two arms, two legs, one torso. Instead, artists distort such conservative human anatomy concept into portrayals as to what sculptors perceive in their subconscious and dreams. All of this makes sculpture as an art form more exciting as this art form continues to evolve.