Sculpture is an ancient medium, and it has played a pivotal role in community life for thousands of years. When it comes to contemporary sculpture, however, technology meets art in a way that is new and exciting. Artists today often blend the traditional approach to sculpture with innovative art techniques to create immersive and engaging works of art.
The Revival of Classical Sculpture Techniques
Throughout the duration of the Postmodern art era, which lasted from about 1970 through the 1990s, the figure was virtually eliminated from sculptures and large-scale installations. However, according to research published in Sage Journals, the classical figure has once again emerged as a powerful and vital visual component in modern sculpture.
The revival of classical sculpture techniques can be attributed to the needs and demands of viewers in art galleries. People are no longer content to simply gaze at minimalist creations and try to figure out what the artist intended by them. Rather, they want to spend hours soaking up the beauty of a classical form, interpreting its meaning and applying its beauty to the modern world. As a result, modern sculptors have to learn how to leverage the power of digital modeling and use digital sculpting tools to create sculptures inspired by tradition yet molded by the modern era.
Mastering the Basics of Carving and Molding
Before you can begin conceptual prototyping your sculpture, you will need to master the basics of carving and molding. The National Gallery of Art describes what you need to know about the basics of sculpture:
- Carving is the process during which sculptures begin to subtract material to shape the form of their sculpture. Tools often used during the carving process include chisels and other metal tools that can strip away hard material, such as wood or stone.
- Modeling is the process that sculptors use to subtract material when they are working with soft materials, such as clay or wax.
- Once carving or modeling is complete, sculptors will then go on to mold their sculptures. Molds are used to reproduce or refine their work. Depending on the artist, a sculptor may use a variety of materials for molds, such as plaster, clay, or silicone.
Why Tradition Still Matters
Modern art sculptures can convey a wide range of ideas, emotions, and expressions, but tradition still plays a crucial role in this ancient medium. Artists who understand the traditions associated with sculpture can better understand the principles of design in sculpture, which guide the orientation, proportion, scale, and balance of the finished piece. Artists who understand the importance of tradition in sculpture can create a better sense of spatial awareness, simultaneously improving their ability to convey their message and enhancing the art experience for the viewer.
Technological Breakthroughs Transforming Sculpture
While the world of modern sculpture is still rooted in tradition, there have been many technological advances that have transformed this medium and made it more accessible for artists of all experience and skill levels. Modern sculpture techniques often rely heavily on advanced technology, including advanced sculpting tools.
These are some of the technological breakthroughs that have redefined the world of contemporary sculpture:
3D Printing and Digital Modeling
Modern sculptors are finding that 3D printing and digital modeling technology are transforming the way that they model and create sculptures. 3D printing has revolutionized sculpting by:
- Allowing sculptors to customize their fabrications.
- Allowing sculptors to create complex geometries.
- Expediting the iterative design process.
In addition, 3D printing has made the process of creating sculptures more accessible, giving more artists the opportunity to try out this classic artistic medium.
Laser Cutting and CNC Milling
Commonly found in manufacturing facilities, laser cutting and CNC milling machines are often considered industrial tools used to expedite and enhance the production process. However, sculptors have found that both laser cutting and CNC milling can be used to expedite the process of creating sculptures and improve the precision of the final piece. Laser cutting is both affordable and reliable, making it an excellent option for sculptors who want to work with advanced modern tools.
Experimental Materials and Techniques
As modern artists become more focused on adopting sustainable art practices, they are becoming more willing to try experimental materials and techniques. From bio-based materials to recycled materials, modern sculptors are finding that they can create art from a wide range of materials that are available today.
The Museum of Modern Art explains some of the experimental materials and techniques that modern sculptors are beginning to work with, including:
- Creating sculptures from fibers, such as fabric, rope, and yarn.
- Using their own body as a tool for the sculpture, such as using fingers to carve rather than a chisel.
- Designing sculptures from objects that were discarded and destined for the landfill.
- Investing in bio-based materials, such as bamboo or mycelium.
Bridging the Gap: Hybrid Approaches in Sculpture
Sculpture may be a traditional medium rooted in ancient techniques, but modern sculptors will find that they can adopt a hybrid approach that allows them to build upon their foundation and leverage the power of advanced techniques. By taking a blended approach to contemporary sculpture, you can create works of art that are truly one-of-a-kind.
These are some of the hybrid approaches that you might consider as an artist:
Fusing Handcraft With Advanced Tools
Carving and molding are two of the most traditional sculpture processes, but it is important to remember that you do not have to rely on these techniques alone to create a wonderful work of art. By fusing handcraft with advanced tools, you can create a piece that is rooted in tradition, yet you will be able to streamline the process to bring it to life in a shorter amount of time.
Collaborative Creative Processes
Sculpture does not have to be an isolating medium. In fact, when artists collaborate during the creative process, the end result can be quite impressive. By adopting collaborative creative processes, you can learn more about the advanced sculpting tools that are available and the techniques that modern sculptors rely on to bring their works of art to life. This collaborative process is not only productive, it can also be incredibly rewarding for artists learning more about who they are now and who they want to become in the future.
Embracing Innovation Without Losing Artistic Identity
Innovative art techniques do not necessarily require you to sacrifice your identity as an artist. You can still bring your authentic vision to life, whether creating a mold from plaster or using mixed media. It’s important to remember that throughout history, artists have always relied on their foundations in basic techniques as well as the most advanced tools of the time to bring art to public spaces, enhance private residents, and improve community life as a whole.
Real-World Examples of Innovators
Suppose you are looking for inspiration for how to apply modern techniques to sculpture. In that case, you will find that these famous modern sculptors are the perfect examples of how to combine tradition with innovation.
Contemporary Artists Pushing Boundaries
Contemporary sculpture artists who are pushing boundaries in the modern art world include:
- Joshua Harker — Self-described as a digital artist who focuses on multidimensional experiences, Joshua Harker creates both 3D printed sculptures and 4D mapping events that allow viewers to enjoy art from every dimension.
- Daan Roosegaarde — With a passion for sustainable design, Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde works to transform urban spaces into immersive art experiences. He is famously known for his Van Gogh Path, a glowing bike path that allows visitors to feel as if they are traveling through the whimsical Starry Night masterpiece.
- Es Devlin — Famously known for her large-scale performative sculptures, Es Devlin applies the tradition of sculpting to the world of the performing arts.
- Janet Echelman — Janet Echelman is an American fiber artist famous for her large-scale sculptures that are influenced not only by classical art principles but also by the principles of architecture and engineering.
Museums and Galleries Showcasing Hybrid Art
For further inspiration, you can head to these museums and galleries, which are committed to displaying the beauty and power of hybrid art:
- Ars Electronica Center (Linz, Austria) — The exhibits at the Ars Electronic Center in Linz, Austria, allow visitors to develop a deeper understanding of the rapidly advancing technology that is redefining modern life. Covering topics such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles ,and 3D printing, this museum pays homage to the pivotal space where technology meets art.
- LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab (Los Angeles) — Designed to provide artists with a collaborative space where they can learn how to leverage technology while creating art, LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab in Los Angeles is ideal for aspiring artists. This is a space where you can experiment, collaborate, and engage in dialogue, allowing you to grow as a person and as an artist.
Explore Emerging Art Forms and Innovative Art Techniques at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Interactive public art and emerging art form will continue to play a prominent role in communities across the country, highlighting the need for experienced, skilled, and intuitive artists. At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program that allows you to explore the iterative design process and become proficient with the leading digital modeling software, empowering you with the skills required to create impactful modern art.
Request more information about our fine arts degree programs today.
