Sculpture

The distinctive feature of sculpture as an art form is that it is based on the principle of volumetrical portrayal of objects. These objects are most often humans, sometimes animals (animal sculpture), nature (landscape) or different items – sometimes abstract and conceptual (still life). The position of a figure in space, transference of its movements, posture, gestures, relief, visual perception of its weight, choice of proportions, specific features of the silhouette are among the major visual methods of this form of art.

Two major varieties of sculpture are generally distinguished: round sculpture which is freely located in the space and relief where the object is positioned on a flat surface serving as a background for it. The first type is usually made for all-round surveillance and is represented, for example, by statues, groups of statues representing a single ensemble, statuettes (figures that are less than the actual size of the objects depicted), torsos, busts and so on.

The purpose and the meaning of a sculptural work of art usually define the nature of its plastic structure and it, in its turn, defines the choice of the sculptural material.

The modern trends of sculpture are often described as having strong connections with performance art. Ice sculpture is also a widespread type of sculpture using ice as raw material. It is popular in Russia, China, Canada, Sweden and Japan. Snow sculptures are also a modern trend – artificial condensed snow is used. There is also a modern trend to create sculptures that are moving - they are called Mobiles.