Sculpture Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to sculpture, including various styles, techniques, and historical references.

Sculpture

The art of carving, casting, modeling, or assembling materials into three-dimensional figures.

Relief Sculpture

Three-dimensional forms that are raised from a flat background.

Low Relief

A form of relief sculpture where the figures project only slightly from the background.

High Relief

A form of relief sculpture where figures project by at least half their natural depth.

Freestanding Sculptures

Sculptures that have fronts, sides, backs, and tops, with voids around them holding meaning.

Subtractive Process

A sculpting method where unwanted material is removed, such as in carving.

Additive Process

A sculpting method where material is added or built up to achieve the final form.

Modeling

Shaping pliable materials such as clay or wax into a three-dimensional form.

Casting

A process where liquid material is poured into a mold to harden into a specific shape.

Lost Wax Casting

A method of creating bronze castings using a wax model that is melted away.

Investiture

The fire-resistant mold created around a wax model in lost wax casting.

Kinetic Sculpture

Sculptures that incorporate actual movement, created by various forces.

Land Art

Site-specific artworks created within natural surroundings, often using earth or land.

Ephemeral Art

Artworks created with the understanding that they will disintegrate or are temporary.

Public Art

Art created for public spaces, enhancing the social and visual landscape.

Monuments

Structures or sculptures intended to preserve the memory of a person or event.