FORM


In art pieces such as paintings or drawings the surrounding us three-dimensional world of nature is shown on a plane, thus only in two dimensions. To create an impression of the third dimension - depth, we use various techniques, ones which many generations of artists worked on. In painting, for example, the impression of space, depth can be achieved by partly hiding objects standing further from the viewer by those standing nearer.

There is however a field in art which is capable of creating works in all three dimensions that we are able to see in nature: height, width and depth. This field in art is SCULPTING.


Sculpture (as a three-dimensional work - spatial) presents itself differently from each side.

The basic element of a composition in sculpting is a SPATIAL FORM. A spatial form (or group of forms made out of rock, wood and nowadays even concrete, metal or plastic substances) is the oldest, but still popular, type of sculptures. There are various shapes such sculptures may have - it all depends on the subject, the artist`s preferences and intentions, etc. What connects them is the fact that they all are compact and clearly separated from the rest of the space that surrounds them. The different textures of spatial forms - smooth, rough or jagged - play a role in enabling the chiaroscuro to help achieving the final effect in the sculpture. In modern sculptures the tendency to compose without using compact forms appears. This can be done by for example dividing space with planes, rods, etc. (eg. mobiles of Calder).