The Power of Sculptures

Better than anyone else, Giorgio Vasari, a famous Italian painter and historian introduces in just a few words, the ultimate masterpiece ever created by man. This famously appraised sculpture stands in perfection in Florence and is unarguably the most famous in Italy and perhaps the whole world. Michelangelo’s David has repeatedly proven itself as the most exhilarating and breathtaking piece of art ever made. From time immemorial, sculptures have always left a marking impression on the perceptions of people and this astonishing sculpture from the renaissance period, created in three years from 1501 to 1504 still captures peoples’ attention to date. Its intricate details, flawless depiction, symmetrical proportions and outstanding boldness depict a masculine figure representing the biblical hero David. It radiated throughout the world the power of sculptures and their ability to turn perspectives subsequently inspiring generations to come. Overall, the mere presence of an outstanding statue in one’s home or any kind of space possesses the powerful effect of either altering the aura of a room to reflect positivism or negativism. The Romans knew this very well and utilized the power of statues to influence and shape up apprehensions. The Greeks curved various statues of their gods to depict their power and this inspired their day to day activities. As a matter of fact, according to Greek mythology, there are thousands of Gods; subsequently, they created innumerable statues.

This brings us to this question, why all the fuss about sculptures? Well, it can be summed up in Giorgio Vasari’s words in which he marveled at Michelangelo’s work, “When all was finished, it cannot be denied that this work has carried off the palm from all other statues, modern or ancient, Greek or Latin; no other artwork is equal to it in any respect, with such just proportion, beauty and excellence did Michelangelo finish it.” His was an irrefutable testament to the power of sculptures. In the contemporary world, sculptures have also proven to have formidable influence on both thought and action. The art of sculptures is incredible and intricate. Although sometimes abstract, depth of detail matters in producing ultimate insight and in creating a masterpiece just like Michelangelo’s David. Sculptures are often referred to as the branch of visual art that communicate in three dimensions. Nevertheless, not often are sculptures created in a 3-D state. Other types of sculptures such as relief are partly attached to a background surface and depending on the degree of attachment may be classified into bas-relief, high-relief and sometimes intermediate mid-relief. Sculptures were also depicted in ancient Egypt hieroglyphics and are classified as sunk-relief. Relief sculptures are even depicted in coins and various talismans.

Therefore, in light of the prevalence of sculptures, ArtSpot thought it imperative to offer some of the best sculptures from Kenya. Kenya is known worldwide as the cradle of humankind and commensurate with this definition; it is also one of the places that has the best sculptors who are skilled as both designers and excellent artisans. The conception or understanding of an artwork is the job of a designer. Such conception includes the expressiveness, content, imagination and forms of an art. The depiction of this conception in the sculptures at ArtSpot is to the letter and further articulates the artist’s mind. Thus, the sculptor acts as both the designer and master craftsman ultimately producing pieces that are your money’s worth. And so, delve deep and explore the designs of John Ong’esa Masese and Kepha Mosoti. Buy sculptures and express yourself in a new and meaningful way