Throughout the 20th century, the arts changed dramatically due to technological advances and the urge to experiment and push boundaries. Contemporary sculptors are free to use traditional materials, tools and methods or to ignore them completely. Some use a unique combination of old and new to express their particular vision.
Although hand tools are still used by sculptors to carve and model their pieces, many of them now use power tools. These tools like grinders and drills allow them to work quickly and efficiently. There are power tools available for every aspect of the work, including shaping and finishing. Industrial diamond tools which have only been available more recently, enable them to work easily with harder materials like concrete, ceramic and stone. Hot melt glues mean they can build and attach all manner of things together in moments without even having to use tools.
A diversity of materials like marble, bronze, metal and wood have always been used to create sculptures. However, over the last fifty years this list has expanded to include almost any material that is common in our everyday lives. Synthetic materials and composites are used to obtain more strength with less weight. They are durable and weather resistant and allow for experimentation with texture. Sculptures are also made by assembling various materials such as found objects, wood and textiles.
Sculptural techniques have remained the same for centuries. Human and animal likenesses are still modeled in clay and stone, wood and bone are still carved. However, many of these processes are now influenced by the introduction of new materials and tools.
The human form, animals and nature were the subjects of sculptures for centuries. Auguste Rodin is regarded as having paved the way for modern sculpture by rebelling against the idealized forms. His sculptures seemed to penetrate through external appearances and express inner truth. It was only in the late 20th century, however, that subject matter began to change into more abstract forms of expression with ideas, concepts and emotions being more important than tradition.
Although sculptures of today do still reflect the past, new attitudes as well as new materials and tools have had their inevitable influence. Mixing of media occurs more with artists combining paints, fabrics and just about anything else in sculptural pieces. Recycled materials like old vinyl records, furniture and automobile parts are used in creative ways.
The idea of the viewer standing in front of a sculpture in a museum or art gallery has also been turned in its head. Huge public works and environmental sculptures have been created that complement the surroundings. They even allow people to pass through them and stand inside them rather than just observing them.
When thinking of purchasing contemporary sculptures, it is worthwhile browsing online discussions about the subject. This gives a good idea of what is available and where to find it. Some comparison of prices can be made online too, according to medium used and type of sculpture.
Contemporary sculptors continue to push boundaries. They include various aspects of technology and modern living, but also draw from sculptural tradition, as shown by the recent resurgence in figurative sculpture. Individuals add their own talent into the mix, creating highly desirable original works.
Although hand tools are still used by sculptors to carve and model their pieces, many of them now use power tools. These tools like grinders and drills allow them to work quickly and efficiently. There are power tools available for every aspect of the work, including shaping and finishing. Industrial diamond tools which have only been available more recently, enable them to work easily with harder materials like concrete, ceramic and stone. Hot melt glues mean they can build and attach all manner of things together in moments without even having to use tools.
A diversity of materials like marble, bronze, metal and wood have always been used to create sculptures. However, over the last fifty years this list has expanded to include almost any material that is common in our everyday lives. Synthetic materials and composites are used to obtain more strength with less weight. They are durable and weather resistant and allow for experimentation with texture. Sculptures are also made by assembling various materials such as found objects, wood and textiles.
Sculptural techniques have remained the same for centuries. Human and animal likenesses are still modeled in clay and stone, wood and bone are still carved. However, many of these processes are now influenced by the introduction of new materials and tools.
The human form, animals and nature were the subjects of sculptures for centuries. Auguste Rodin is regarded as having paved the way for modern sculpture by rebelling against the idealized forms. His sculptures seemed to penetrate through external appearances and express inner truth. It was only in the late 20th century, however, that subject matter began to change into more abstract forms of expression with ideas, concepts and emotions being more important than tradition.
Although sculptures of today do still reflect the past, new attitudes as well as new materials and tools have had their inevitable influence. Mixing of media occurs more with artists combining paints, fabrics and just about anything else in sculptural pieces. Recycled materials like old vinyl records, furniture and automobile parts are used in creative ways.
The idea of the viewer standing in front of a sculpture in a museum or art gallery has also been turned in its head. Huge public works and environmental sculptures have been created that complement the surroundings. They even allow people to pass through them and stand inside them rather than just observing them.
When thinking of purchasing contemporary sculptures, it is worthwhile browsing online discussions about the subject. This gives a good idea of what is available and where to find it. Some comparison of prices can be made online too, according to medium used and type of sculpture.
Contemporary sculptors continue to push boundaries. They include various aspects of technology and modern living, but also draw from sculptural tradition, as shown by the recent resurgence in figurative sculpture. Individuals add their own talent into the mix, creating highly desirable original works.
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