Playing with Space

From representation to abstraction, sculpture takes art off the wall. All the artists introduced in this chapter thought innovatively in three dimensions.

Edgar Degas modeled wax sculptures as a way to better understand form and motion. Interested in a different kind of movement, Alexander Calder constructed mobiles that activate space. Dan Flavin used fluorescent lights to create bright sculptures that shape and color the surrounding space. Martin Puryear crafts ambiguous forms that invite wonder.

As you compare the artists in this chapter, think about characteristics that are unique to sculpture.