Monday, June 24, 2013

Current Trends And Contemporary Sculptors

By Allyson Whitley


Throughout the 20th century, artists looked for new ways to express themselves. Contemporary sculptors continue to push boundaries and they have a vast array of tools and materials to work with that were not available in the past. No subject is off limits and they create some amazing works that may borrow from the past and incorporate current trends but are uniquely their own.

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.

The materials used for creating sculptures through history included bronze, wood, marble and metal. This list has grown over the years and today there is virtually no limit to the type of materials that can be used. This includes man-made materials like plastics and various composites. Many sculptors today also choose to assemble 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.

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.

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 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.

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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