Sculpture
Sculpture is the art of making a two or three-dimensional forms. To have three dimensions, it means that the work will have width, depth and height which makes it look like a realistic figure, rather than a figure drawn or painted on paper. Notice the difference in the two pictures below. Which one is a three-dimensional sculpture and which one is a painting?
If you guessed the one on the right, you are correct!
Traditional sculptures are made by chiseling marble, carving stone or wood or casting metal or plaster. Sometimes sculptures are even made of glass, cement, clay, or plastic. The material that is used depends on what the artist desires, but most commonly they choose one medium. In some cases, artists may surface paint to add color or drawings, but this is uncommon.
The sculpture to the right is "Moses" by Michelangelo, a famous sculptor in the 1500's. Many consider Michelangelo one of the greatest artists of all time and he was an architect in Italy. The sculpture is made out of marble and is not painted. Notice how realistic the man looks and the details in his clothes, arms and beard.
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Another sculptor to remember is the famous English artist of the 1900’s, Henry Moore. Moore made abstract sculptures, art that does not represent recognizable reality but uses different shapes and colors to express ideas. Henry Moore often used bronze metal. The sculpture to the left is titled “Large Arch” and is used outside as decoration in Columbus Library Plaza.
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However, with more modern sculptures artists may choose to use creative materials such as paper or even balloons to make a three-dimensional object. The video below gives examples of sculptures made from paper. How are these different than the traditional sculptures?
If you want to see balloon sculptures too, click here. Listen to the artist describe his sculptures and how he makes them. How are his sculpture ideas different than those discussed earlier?
Do all sculptures use the same materials? Are sculptures made all around the world? Do people still make sculptures? Think about these questions when you click on this website to see an example of an artist making a sculpture. Notice the materials and techniques she uses.