Sculpture is traditionally created by shaping any kind of hard material, especially wood or stone. Modern sculptors often play with this definition, using other materials like bronze, ceramic, resin and fiberglass. While classical sculptures are realistic and often feature important people or religious themes, modern sculptures cover a variety of subjects in many styles, from hyper-realism to abstract. Painters often dabble in sculpture in addition to their usual artwork; some of the most famous modern works were done by people who would not classify themselves mainly as sculptors.
The Kiss
Constantin Brancusi was born in a poor family in Romania. He had no artistic training as a youth, but instead took a position as an apprentice shepherd. He learned wood carving and later, while working at an inn, carved a violin on a bet. He did such a good job that a local merchant sent him to art school. "The Kiss" is one of the most famous and recognizable of modern sculptures. Done in 1908, "The Kiss" shows two embracing figures joined as one, cut from the same block of stone.
Reclining Figure 1951
English sculptor Henry Moore often made reclining figures in various sizes and with diverse materials. They are often large-scale and were meant to be displayed outdoors. His bronze "Reclining Figure" of 1951 was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain. As of 2010, the sculpture is on display at the Gallery of Modern Art in Scotland.
Flamingo
Alexander Calder was the child of artistic parents. However, he started out in technology and obtained a degree in engineering before beginning to express himself through art. He began as an illustrator and then began to produce abstract mobiles. Later, he moved on to large outdoor sculptures. "Flamingo" is one of Calder's most famous works. The 53-foot high red sculpture (which Calder dubbed "stabiles") is made from steel and was commissioned by the United States General Services Administration. "Flamingo" is displayed outside the Kluczinski Federal Building in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Sculpture
Though one of the most famous painters who ever lived, Pablo Picasso also produced numerous sculptures. He toyed with different subjects and sizes, making some realistic or semi-realistic, and others completely abstract. One of his most famous sculptures is his cubist Chicago sculpture, located in the city's Daley Center Plaza. Picasso himself never put a name to it, though it's thought to be either of a bird or a woman. The enormous work, stands 50 feet tall and weighs 162 tons.
