Timeless Treasures: Sculptural Installations

What is Sculpture?

What is sculpture exactly? It can be defined as a three-dimensional art form that is created through the use of different mediums such as stone, metal, clay, wood, fabric or even modern synthetic materials. Sculptures differ from two-dimensional art (like paintings and drawings) as sculptural works can be experienced on a three-dimensional plane (if the sculpture is installed on the ground/a pedestal or free floating from a ceiling). Artists that mainly deal in sculptural works will use techniques like carving, modeling, casting, and/or assembling to create their works.

The Significance of Sculpture in Art History

Just like drawings, sculpture holds a pivotal place in art history. Sculpture is an artform that can be traced back to ancient times as it served as a cultural artifact that can provide insights into the values, beliefs, and technological advancements of different civilizations. From the ancient clay figure sculptures to modern-day installations, sculpture remains a dynamic and influential art form to many. Today, sculpture still has the ability to convey complex ideas, emotions, and narratives through tangible forms. These modern-day installations continue to evolve the definition of what sculpture is and can be. Plus, they reflect and shape our understanding of the world and our place within it at the present moment.

Materials Used in Sculptural Installations

I would like to briefly delve into specific mediums a sculpturist might use for their works. I want to focus on outdoor materials specifically as I want to share a Garden Sculpture opportunity to any fellow sculpturists out there. Sims Contemporary currently has a call open for outdoor sculpture works (you can find the details and application here: simscontemporary.com). The most durable materials would be stone, metal, and wood which will be the three I focus on.

Stone
Stone can be such a broad description for a material as there are a handful of different stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone. Many people look back to ancient cultures like the Greeks and Romans as they used stone extensively for their figurine sculptures and architecture. Artists still use this material today to create abstracted forms and shapes for indoor or outdoor spaces due to its durability and timeless look.

Metal
Metal is just one material that can be shaped, formed, welded, and casted into just about anything. Common metals used can include bronze, steel, iron, and aluminum due to their availability and durability. Metal can be a popular choice when choosing an outdoor material as it can be “easier” to create larger scale sculptures (with the right skills and budget).

Wood
Using wood in sculptural works is not a material you often see in modern installations as contemporary artists tend to combine wood with other materials. The most common wood types are oak, mahogany, walnut, pine, and cedar. Uncommon wood types (often due to availability or price) can include ebony, african rosewood, cocobolo, and snakewood to name a few. Wood is used in projects to highlight its natural beauty, which is often enhanced through stains and wood oils.

Conclusion

As many artists know, the material you choose can significantly influence the aesthetic and conceptual outcome of one’s artwork. Learning the history behind a material can help one to push a concept to that next level. The material the sculpture is made of can offer a diverse range of textures, colors, and forms that one can explore as well.

Outdoor sculpture installations can involve unique challenges and opportunities distinct from indoor installations. As mentioned, the durability of the materials and the impact of weather (like rain, wind, and sunlight) are common factors to keep in mind. Other factors include the meticulous planning (and potential engineering) to ensure the sculpture fits and is placed securely in its spot.

Lastly, sculpture is all about the interaction between the piece and its environment, whether it's at a park, a garden, or a natural setting. Having that harmonious relationship between the artwork and its surroundings can enhance the space and the viewer’s experience. Overall successful outdoor sculptures not only withstand the test of time, but also become something that provokes thought and brings a community together.