Sculpture has always been a profound medium for exploring the human form. Artists experiment with size and volume, exploring forms that vary from large to small, or ask us to peer more closely, all in an attempt to take us out of ourselves and question our own bodies.
Art can be used as a space to develop new thoughts, feelings and behaviours. One artist in particular who does this is Anthony Gormley. He is known for his sculptures, installations and public artworks – particularly the gargantuan ‘Angel of the North’. However, he’s better known for directly casting his own body, and guest’s bodies as forms for his sculptures where he explores the relationship between humans, nature and the cosmos.
The devil’s in the detail
Some artists enjoy exploring sculpture work on an up close and personal level. Australian artist Ron Mueck is famed for his hyper-real depictions of human bodies, sometimes spending over a year casting and forming his sculptures, right down to minute details such as individual eyelashes and hair follicles. He works on various scales, from direct one-to-one depictions and then doubling and reducing his bodies, or sections of bodies, to miniatures, engrossing and captivating his viewers, allowing his work to explore often unspoken thoughts and feelings common to us all.
A modern, abstract approach
Often, we see sculptures with a more abstract approach too. Henry Moore is a pioneer in modern sculpture. He is renowned for his abstract representations of the human form. His works often feature smooth, organic shapes that evoke the contours of the body without detailing its specifics. Moore's sculptures invite viewers to contemplate the essence of humanity beyond the physical.
Throughout his career, spanning 1930s-early 1980s, his approach to sculpture was revolutionary. He focused on the universal aspects of the human condition, such as vulnerability, strength, and connection to nature. Pieces like "Reclining Figure" and "Large Two Forms" illustrate his mastery in creating forms that are both monumental and intimate. His use of voids and hollows within the figures speaks to the inner spaces of the human experience, making his works a meditative exploration of being.
The interplay of reality and myth
Artists also enjoy showing true expression within their sculptures. Drawing clear inspiration from the godfather of British sculpture is Sally Grant, a contemporary sculptor, who brings a unique perspective to the human form by blending reality with myth. Her sculptures often depict figures in dynamic, almost dance-like poses, capturing moments of transformation and introspection.
Grant’s sculptures are rich with symbolic meaning, drawing on historical and mythological references. Her attention to detail and the tactile quality of her work invite viewers to engage with the pieces on a sensory level, fostering a deeper connection with the depicted forms. Grant’s art is a celebration of the human spirit, its resilience, and its capacity for renewal.
Reflection on the contemporary human
Not only do sculptures explore the human form on the outside, but what humans may feel on the inside too. KAWS, the alias of artist Brian Donnelly, brings a pop culture sensibility to the human form, blending fine art with commercial imagery. His sculptures, often featuring the iconic "Companion" character, reflect on contemporary human experiences such as loneliness, alienation, and the impact of consumer culture.
At Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the UK, KAWS' larger-than-life figures, with their cartoon-like appearance and expressive postures, create a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. These works, while playful on the surface, carry a poignant commentary on modern life. The exaggerated forms and familiar aesthetics make KAWS' sculptures immediately accessible, yet they provoke thought on deeper societal issues.
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