Chapter 14, Sculpture begins the discussion of three-dimensional media. Working in three dimensions presents unique challenges to the sculptor, designer, or performer. While painters, printmakers and other two-dimensional media artists consider the challenges of suggesting spatiality, sculptors must create in actual space. The artists discussed in Chapter 14 have explored both the traditional, historic techniques to expressing their ideas in three dimensions, as well as newer, non-traditional approaches.
After reading this chapter you should:
- know the definitions of key terms associated with sculpture including:
- additive (modeling) and subtractive (carving) processes,
- assemblage (construction) and casting (replacement) processes.
- contrapposto
- earthworks
- environment
- installation
- [sculpture] in the round
- investment
- kinetic
- modeling
- molds
- ponderation
- relief—low (bas) or high (haut)
- have a general overview of the sculptural processes including: subtractive (carving), where material is removed from an original block; additive, where the form is built up by adding material, such as clay in modeling; casting (or replacement process), a separate process unto its own; assemblage, which can be the construction of sculptures from found parts and materials; and earthworks, which are often the result of additive and subtractive processes.
- consider how relief sculpture, meant to be seen from only one side, in its addressing of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques, could be as difficult as sculpture-in-the-round.
- know that sculpture carries with it a tradition of spiritual, religious and mythical connotations that often extend beyond the physical.
- be familiar with the process of bronze casting, its intricacies and its history.
- know what the WORKS IN PROGRESS: Goat Island.
- consider the connections between the work of artists such as Nancy Holt and the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude from Chapter 1. They all create environments, but what are the other similarities?
Chapter 14's The Critical Process discusses Eleanor Antin The Artist's Studio from The Last Days of Pompeii, a work that draws parallels between the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Ancient Rome and the United States a few weeks prior to 9/11.
