Non-objective Sculpture
Henry Moore
(1898-1986)
English Sculptor
WHAT: Large Scale Abstract & Non-objective art
Subject matter: Nature, Figures
MEDIUM: Marble, Bronze Cast
HOW: Subtractive Method
CATEGORIES IN VISUAL ART
• Realism / Representational
– Subject looks natural or “real.” Represents actual
objects or subjects from reality.
• Abstract / Formalism
– Based on a subject or reality—you can recognize
objects or symbols. Transforms the subject.
• Non-Objective / Formalism
– NON OBJECT, no subject or clues of a subject.
– Based only on the Elements & Principles of Art.
– Created purely from an aesthetic point of view.
Reduction Sculpture (Carving)
Reduction sculpture
is where material
(stone, wood, ice) is
taken away in order
to create the form.
Addition Sculpture (Modeling)
Addition sculpture is
where material (clay,
wax, cardboard, paper)
is largely added on to
create the form.
Elements of ART
LINE – an element of art which refers to the continuous
mark made on some surface by a MOVING point.
Types of Line: Straight Horizontal/Vertical/Diagonal
Wavy, Curved, Zig Zag, Dashed/Dotted, Spiral
THICK, THIN, DARK, LIGHT
SPACE – an art element that refers to he distance or
area between, around, above, below or within things.
POSITIVE and NEGATIVE Space
SHAPE – an element of art that refers to an enclosed
space defined by other elements of art. It is 2-Dimensional.
There are two types of shapes GEOMETRIC & ORGANIC
FORM – an element of art that is 3 –Dimensional
Height, Width and DEPTH encloses a volume
Life and Work
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Henry Moore was born in Castleford,
Yorkshire, 1898 as the son of a coal mining
engineer.
He was the seventh of eight children in his
family. He won a scholarship to Castleford
Secondary School, where his art teacher
influenced him strongly.
During these years Moore began carving in
wood and modeling clay, and he consciously
decided to become a sculptor after hearing of
Michelangelo's achievements at the age of
eleven.
He was in the army for 2 years then studied at
Leeds School of Art and the Royal Academy of
Art, London on a scholarship in 1921.
Throughout his long career he experimented
with many styles including abstract and
biomorphic art
In 1936 he took part in the International
Surrealist exhibition. His primary concern,
however has been with the human figure.
In 1942 became an Official War Artist
In 1946 had first retrospective of his work at
the MOMA NY
1960-70s exhibits & opening his own
museum gained him world wide recognition
as a sculptor.
Died at 88 in England in 1986.
• Henry Moore's sculpture is among the most recognized
and influential of the twentieth century.
• His sculpture and drawings have been exhibited worldwide, and
his monumental public works can be seen throughout the United
States and Europe.
• Some of the artist's sculptures appear more abstract
than others, but all exhibit a love of natural forms and
materials, and a great simplicity.
• A profound reverence for the dignity
of the human (usually female) form led
Moore to execute a series of variations
on the reclining figure throughout his life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xioYgUWsHg
Thumbnail
sketches
Sculptures
Henry Moore’s work
followed three major
themes:
• Mother and child
• Family group
• Reclining figures
He used a Direct Carving
reduction technique
working right into the
media, such as wood and
stone.
His sculptures include
ABSTRACT & NONOBJECTIVE large scale
works
Mother and Child
Family
Reclining Figures
Non-objective Sculpture
“Painting and sculpture help other
people to see what a wonderful
world we live in.”
“I don't know of any good work of
art that doesn't have a mystery.”
“The secret of life is to have a task,
something you devote your entire
life to, something you bring
everything to, every minute of the
day for the rest of your life. And the
most important thing is, it must be
something you cannot possibly do.”
~Henry Moore
http://www.theartstory.org/artist-moore-henry.htm
What is Non-objective Art?
• Does not contain a recognizable subject.
• Focus on elements of art (color, shape,
line, form, space, value, texture).
• Utilization of principles of design (balance,
repetition, unity, rhythm, proportion,
harmony, variety, emphasis, movement).
• Purely for aesthetic reasons.
Henry Moore Non-Objective
Sculpture Requirements
• Create THREE Thumbnail sketches of your design
• Using wire, create a 12” tall or wide non-objective
sculpture focusing on interesting use of SPACE and
SHAPES.
• Apply a layer of aluminum foil to wire to pad out
sculpture varying the width to create stronger visual
effect.
• Apply masking tape to cover all foil.
• Paper mache entire sculpture with attention to NEAT
craftsmanship
• Paint sculpture with acrylic paint to achieve metallic
effect.
• Point value= 100
DOES YOUR SCULPTURE
INCLUDE?
• LINE – curves, angles, movement
• FORM – 3D on all sides
• SPACE – Positive & Negative
• VARIETY – contrast, thickness, scale