Part 4 Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation

The Churning of the Sea of Milk, Angkor, Cambodia, 12th Century

Example of low relief

Figurine of a Voluptuous Lady, Maya, Late Classic Period

Example of modeling

Low Relief

Projected slightly from the background

The Human Figure

The human figure is a basic subject for sculpture.

Louis Bourgeois, Maman

*"In the round"*: Freestanding artwork that can be viewed from any angle; completed on all sides.

Similarities/Differences

- Both use stainless steel and is displayed outside - Smith used geometric shapes - Paine used organic forms

Aoxyomenos (Scraper)

- Greek athlete - Ideal body given to gods and mythological heroes - Use of contrapposto

Tilman Riemenschneider, Virgin and Child on the Crescent Moon

- Made of limewood - Had easier to carve details - Depicted geese in motion

Methods and Materials of Sculpture

- Modeling (Additive Process) - Assembling (Additive Process) - Carving (Subtractive Process) - Casting (Involves a mold)

Colossal Head, Olmec

- Used basalt; basalt associated with "powers of nature" - Has symbolic nature - Represents Olmec rulers

Earthwork

A work of art made for a specific place using natural materials.

Impermanent

Art that is evolving, temporary, or momentary.

Casting

Casting is an indirect method. AKA investment casting The lost-wax process dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE Any metal that can be poured and hardened can be used

Installation

Conceives of a space and everything in it as a work of art. The work of art can be entered, explored, or experienced.

Jeff Koons, Michael Jackson and Bubbles

Example of casting

Spiral Jetty, Robert Smithson

Example of earthwork

Durga Fighting the Buffalo Demon, Mahishamardini Cave, India

Example of high relief

Andy Goldsworthy, Reconstructed Icicles, Dumfriesshire, 1995

Example of impermanent artwork

High Relief

Forms dramatically project from the background by generally at least half their depth The sculpture is carved in more to stand out

Relief Sculpture

Forms projected from the background but remain attached to the surface Meant to be viewed frontally

Assembling

Individual pieces, segments, or objects are brought together to form a sculpture. It's an additive process

Contrapposto

Meaning counterpoise or counterbalance. Was developed by ancient Greeks as a pose for sculptures of the human figure.

Minimalism

Minimalists: - Did not believe in trying to influence people through images. - Favored industrial and construction materials. - Attempted to offer a pure experience by letting the materials they used to speak for themselves.

Modeling

Modeling is a very direct method of working Clay is the most common modeling material (terra cotta, is fired clay) Clay can be damp and reworked again

Working with Time and Place

The artist uses materials and methods that are temporary, resulting in an artwork meant to be experienced for a limited period of time.

Carving

The carving method: - Is more aggressive than modeling - Is more direct than casting - Is a subtractive process Wood and stone are the principal materials historically used for this process