l Would the piece still work at a much larger or a more intimate scale?
Material
l Do you think the material affects the content? l What words would you use to describe the same figure if it was made from wire and paper?
Sculptural Method
In additive sculpture, the artist builds up materials to create the sculpture’s form.
In subtractive sculpture, the artist starts with a larger piece of material and removes some of it until only the desired form remains.
l Which method was used by the artist?
Compare l Which subject appeals to you most? Why is that? l Does the location, scale and materials used to create the work influence your preference?
Figure 12 Garry Hynes, 2017, by Vera Klute, 164 × 54 × 45 cm, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. This portrait of the director and co-founder of Druid Theatre is made of porcelain and concrete, and is set on a timber plinth.
Context
l Would you like to know more about these artists and their circumstances?
l Would this help your understanding of their work?
Figure 13 The Gaelic Chieftain, 1999, by Maurice Harron, Curlew Mountains, Co. Roscommon. Made of stainless steel and bronze pieces welded together, the sculpture stands dramatically on a hill overlooking Lough Key. He guards the way to the South, at the Curlew Mountains.
