Saturday, June 29, 2013

Contemporary Sculptors And Their Works

By Allyson Whitley


The 20th century was a time of change and experimentation. This continued throughout the century as artists sought new ways to express their vision of the world. Contemporary sculptors have almost complete freedom in their use of materials, tools, techniques and subject matter.

They have the option of using many tools that were previously unavailable. The processes formerly accomplished with hand tools are now possible with power tools like grinders and cordless drills. New adhesives allow almost any materials to be bonded instantly and permanently. Industrial diamond tools were almost unknown to the sculptor two decades ago and can now be used to carve and shape a wide variety of hard materials like brick, concrete, glass and stone.

Traditionally, materials such as bronze, marble, wood and metal were used. Technological advances have produced many new types of synthetic materials and composites. These are being experimented with today as they are lightweight, strong and weather resistant. There is virtually no limit to the materials being used today, with many artists choosing to use recycled materials and found objects to create their works.

The various techniques used in the past like carving, modeling and casting are still used. However, these techniques have developed over time and improved as technology advanced. Apart from the traditional methods, materials are assembled, shaped and combined in just about any way possible, including using welding and sewing.

Subject matter used today is extremely diverse. For most of history, the human form, animals and nature were used as subjects. It was only in the latter part of the 20th century, that forms of expression changed. Figurative sculpture fell out of favor and subjects included the abstract. New subjects involved emotions, ideas and studies of form and space. Conceptual art was produced where an idea or concept was more important than any traditional or aesthetic concerns.

As sculpture has developed, the trend has been towards more individualism, although it still shows its debt to the past. There has also been a blurring of boundaries between different artistic forms. Artists are making more use of mixed media.

Another trend is creating works that involve viewers rather than just facing them. They may be surrounded by the sculpture and even walk through it rather than just facing it. Environmental sculptures are created to actually change the environment for the viewer, even allowing one to enter the piece or be surrounded by it. Site-specific sculptures are designed to complement their surroundings, generating shadows or coloring the light.

When buying contemporary sculptures, it is a good idea to visit online art discussion forums and browse websites to gain as much information as possible about the subject. It is also important to get an idea of prices considered typical for specific mediums or types of sculpture before making a purchase.

For contemporary sculptors, there are so many options for expressing their creativity. They can choose from a wide variety of tools, use a virtually unlimited range of materials and combine them in any way they desire. They can opt to include past traditions, look to the future and use their talent to pull the elements together in uniquely desirable works.




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