ZOOMORPHIC DESIGN OF METAL SCULPTURE OF THE MODERNIST PERIOD: FORM AND AESTHETICS

Abstract

The aim of the article is to provide a thorough and generalized examination of zoomorphic sculpture of the beginning of twentieth century, when the artistic paradigm changed due to the search for a new expressiveness of artworks. The methods of this work are analysis of the design features and visual qualities of selected zoomorphic sculptures of some trends of modernism, synthesis of these features and qualities within the studied trends of modernist sculpture. The object of study: zoomorphic sculpture of the modernist period, namely such trends as cubism, futurism, surrealism, expressionism, and abstractionism. On the example of a few sculptural works by authors who have clearly shown themselves in these areas of modernism, the form of sculptures, composition techniques, some aspects of the use of materials, external effects (the presence of light reflexes) of sculptures, stylistic influences on the form of art objects are considered. The visual qualities of the sculptures are traced: aesthetic characteristics, namely moments of sublimity and industrial aesthetics of the images, as well as factors that affect the viewer’s feelings. Elements of the inner world and personal traits of the images are added to the consideration. The symbolic characteristics of the sculptures are outlined, and in some cases, attention is drawn to the author’s concepts that underlie the creation of zoomorphic sculptural objects. The research findings show a set of characteristics of each of the studied trends of modernism. In conclusion, the characteristic features of Cubist sculptures are the deconstruction of the form and a wide range of visual qualities of images from emotionality and inner strength to humorous nature and demonstration of natural animal instincts. Futuristic sculpture shapes the dynamism of the figure and creates a visual symbol of modernization and technology. Surrealist sculptures contain complex concepts of understanding human existence and the paradoxical nature of the author’s thinking. Expressionist sculptural images express isolation and fragile instability. Zoomorphic abstract sculptures have their own specific expressiveness inherent in the author’s style.