Sculpture

Sculpture

Art derived from the Latin word “sculpere” meaning to carve and expresses ideas in three-dimensional forms with width, length, and height.

Three-Dimensional Form

Art having width, length, and height.

Materials of Sculpture

Hard and soft materials such as wood, clay, glass, gold, silver and others used in sculpture.

Functional Art (Sculpture)

Sculpture primarily aims to perpetuate memories or commemorate events.

Plastic Arts

Term referring to sculpture because of the shaping process or plasticity involved.

Nature of Sculpture

Sculpture may be representational or wholly abstract.

Important Consideration in Sculpture Subject

The most important factor is the material used.

Features of Sculpture

Line, color, texture, form, style, volume, and perspective.

Mass and Space

The two most important elements of sculpture.

Texture and Volume

Elements referring to surface quality and three-dimensional size.

Surface

Element referring to the outer appearance of sculpture.

Light and Shade

Element created through illumination and shadow.

Color (Sculpture)

Element contributing visual quality to sculpture.

Free Standing Sculpture or Sculpture-in-the-Round

Sculpture visible from all sides and attached only to a base.

Statue of Liberty

Example of free-standing sculpture.

Relief Sculpture

Sculpture where the image remains attached to the background material.

Relief (Origin)

Derived from Latin word “relevo” meaning to raise.

Venus of Laussel

Example of relief sculpture.

Low or Bas Relief

Image slightly raised above the surface plane.

High Relief or Alto Relief

Image raised one half or more of the material.

Sunken Relief or Intaglio

Material hollowed to produce the image.

Assemblage or Recycled Art

Three-dimensional artwork made by combining different materials similar to collage but constructed in 3D form.

Difference Between Assemblage and Collage

Assemblage is three-dimensional while collage is two-dimensional.

Kinetic Sculpture

Type of art with movement operated by machines, batteries, or natural motion.

Wind Chimes

Example of kinetic sculpture.

Luminous Sculpture

Sculpture that emits or reflects light.

Welded Sculpture

Artwork formed through welding techniques.

Stone

Material commonly used for gravestones, houses, and establishments.

Granite

Material used by Egyptian sculptors for sculptures of pharaohs.

Marble

Material used in famous sculptures such as Pieta, David, and Dying Slave by Michelangelo.

Jade

Ornamental stone widely used in Ancient China believed to display moral goodness.

Ivory

Material from elephant tusk used in making billiard balls.

Gold and Silver

Materials used in making jewelry.

Plaster

Material used for mannequins, models, molds, decorations, and indoor sculptures.

Clay

Soft material easy to shape due to plasticity but fragile.

Carving

Method removing unwanted parts of solid material to create artwork.

Casting

Process of melting material and pouring it into a mold to form sculpture.

Casting Product

Solidified material removed from mold to produce finished artwork.

Modeling

Process of shaping soft materials like clay or wax using hands or tools.

Fabrication

Additive process joining materials through nailing, stapling, or welding.

Napoleon V. Abueva

Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture and National Artist for Sculpture in 1976 who used various materials.

UP Gateway

Example work of Napoleon V. Abueva.

Guillermo E. Tolentino

National Artist for Sculpture in 1973 known for using concrete.

UP Oblation

Artwork of Guillermo E. Tolentino.

Andres Bonifacio Monument

Artwork of Guillermo E. Tolentino.

Isabelo Tampinco

Known for wood carvings for churches including San Ignacio Church, Manila Cathedral facade, and Sto. Domingo Church door reliefs.

Abdulmari Asia Imao

National Artist for Sculpture in 2006 known for okir or okil, sarimanok, and naga motifs and also a painter.

Okir or Okil

Plant-based design motif used in artworks.

Sarimanok

Motif meaning assorted chicken.

Naga

Motif derived from Sanskrit meaning serpent.

Arturo Rogerio Luz

Printmaker, sculptor, painter, and art administrator awarded National Artist Award in 1997 who used hardwoods, marble, and metal.