Sculpture (1970-2000) Introduction

Study Notes

Richard Serra: Born in San Francisco, influenced by father's work in steel mills, studied at UC Berkeley and Yale, worked in steel mills, developed methods to hurl and roll steel, started creating large-scale site-specific sculptures in late 1960s.
Minimalism focus, oversized steel structures, e.g., Joe, a spiral sculpture for Joseph Pulitzer Jr.
Andy Goldsworthy: Born in England, worked on farms as a teenager, graduated from University of Central Lancashire, resides in Scotland, creates Land Art with natural materials, photographs document his art, grew up replacing ancient stone walls in Scotland, first major commission: Stone wall at Storm King Park.
Goldsworthy: Observes surroundings for inspiration, art often disappears, some pieces remain through photographs, believes in connection to past and present.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Met and married in Paris, Christo from Bulgaria, Jeanne-Claude from Morocco, interrupted education due to WWII, Christo stowed away to Paris, Jeanne-Claude graduated from University of Tunis, had a son out of wedlock, created grand, temporary projects, involved many approvals.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Collaborated on large-scale projects, required extensive approvals, included The Gates in Central Park, The Floating Piers in Italy.
Richard Serra's art: Site-specific, permanent, oversized steel structures, e.g., Tilted Arc, The Matter of Time, focuses on Minimalism, experienced walking through sculptures as a physical journey.
Andy Goldsworthy's art: Created with natural materials, document through photographs, often ephemeral, some pieces remain, inspired by surroundings, believes in the connection to past and present.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude's art: Temporary installations, collaborative projects, required extensive planning and approvals, resulted in iconic works such as The Gates in Central Park and The Floating Piers in Italy.

Description

Explore the evolution of sculpture from 1970 to 2000, as traditional ideas were rejected and sculptors began experimenting with new materials. This period also brought more sophistication in creating and manufacturing sculptures, leading to oversized images and the use of multiple materials.