Sculptures NOW: striking sculptures within a historic setting

The second edition of Sculptures NOW is taking place at Buitenplaats Sparrendaal once more, following last year’s huge success. During this four-day event from September 14–17, this 18th century castle-site will be hosting over 25 national and international galleries, bringing together a unique selection of modern and contemporary sculptures within a historic setting.

A brief history of Sculpture

While we are talking sculptures, let’s take a look at a brief history of sculpture to put it all in context. In the very beginning, sculptures were not always made to be beautiful or delicate, their purpose was often to be used for rituals. The earliest known representations of figurative art in the form of sculpture are the ivory carvings known as the ‘Lion Man’ and the ‘Paleolithic Venuses’. Perhaps the most famous of these early sculptures is the so-called Venus of Willendorf. The small female figurine can, at only four inches, easily fit into your hand. The exaggeration of her anatomy suggests she may have been used as a fertility symbol.


      
_{Venus of Willendorf, c. 24.000-22.000 B.C.E., Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna. And Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate Chicago.}


After that, many iconic sculptures passed through the dwelling of ages. Great artist like Michelangelo, Bernini and Rodin became known as masters of texture and naturalism, they could make stone look and feel like soft skin. Many centuries later, during the 20th century, artist like Picasso and Duchamp had an enormous impact on the conventional idea of carving and modeling a sculpture. Nowadays, living sculptors such as Ortega and Kapoor are constructing often-expansive works that respond to or reflect their environments.

Sculptures NOW

But let's talk Sculptures NOW. The sculpture art fair does not only provide a striking selection of sculptures, there will also be lectures and talks about the processes of creation and other inspiring topics. And last but not least, if you happen to fall in love with a particular sculpture, you can bring it home the very same day. We selected a few sculptures for you not to miss when you visit the beautiful historical outside place in Driebergen.


  
_{Annette Jalilova, Les Ascendantes. And Ton Mooy, Atlas.}

Annette Jalilova - Gallery Bianca Landgraaf

‘Dynamic, sensual and full of harmony’ is how one might describe the contemporary sculptures made by the former dancer Annette Jalilova. The fact that the female body is her main source of inspiration is not surprising, knowing her background as a dancer. Women’s bodies enable her to visualize emotions and to portray the deeper muscles of the soul in a personal manner. Jalilova then translates these movements into bronze sculptures, implementing a graphic play between lines.

Ton Mooy - Guus Röell

If you are looking for a sculpture with history, Guus Röell is the place the be. Röell is an expert in the field of colonial objects and rare artifacts, from the West Indies all the way to Japan. Besides that, Röell represents the sculptor Ton Mooy. His beautifully carved work mostly depicts historical figures. Interesting fact: this sculpture featuring the Nieuwe Gracht in Utrecht depicts not Atlas but Heracles.


  
_{Lynn Chadwick, Three Watchers. And Anke Birnie, Fresh Air.}

Lynn Chadwick - Okker Art Gallery

With pieces like the Three Watchers, Lynn Chadwick goes against the conventional concept of sculpture, one that implies using traditional materials such as wood and stone and traditional techniques such as carving and modeling. Instead, he welds iron and bronze rods into expressionistic figurines, inspired by human and animal forms, nonetheless, they hover closer to abstraction.

Anke Birnie - Galerie Terbeek

Anke Birnie is one of Gallery Terbeek’s most sought after treasures. Birnie’s bronze sculptures are notable for the manner in which she skillfully combines the natural element of air with human motions, resulting in one magnificent piece of bronze art.


  
_{Hetty Heyster, Eagle. And Joop Hekman, Seated Nude.} 

Hetty Heyster - Kunstzalen A. Vecht

Hetty Heyster uses animals as models for her bronzes. Their authenticity and diversity are what motivates Hester and often what gives her a first impulse to create a sculpture. Using a modeling technique that was invented by herself, this Eagle balances on the boundary between figuration and abstraction, maintaining a deep respect for nature.

Joop Hekman - Pygmalion Fine Art

Joop Hekman’s sculptures are characteristic because he places his monumental images within a unique architectural context, often designed by himself. Therewith, he plays with the differences in material, texture and shape. Curious to see how Hekman’s sculptures fit within an 18th-century castle setting? Come have a look for yourself from 14 till 17 September.

For more available sculpures please have a look at our online collection of sculptures at Gallerease!