Book Description

Here is a survey and critical study of the use of outdoor sculpture in contemporary society. Thoroughly illustrated with examples of successful projects, this book provides the guidelines needed by all professionals and laypeople responsible for enhancing our visual environment with outdoor sculpture. After the author discusses the significance and functions of outdoor sculpture throughout history, she defines the kinds of outdoor sculpture and its relation to various settings. The vocabulary needed to evaluate outdoor sculpture is spelled out, with five criteria for the section and placement of works: contextual relevance, staging, apprehension of revealment, physical attributes, and environmental relationship. A discussion of areas of special concern for the future such as highway sculpture, artworks for the handicapped, participatory sculpture, environmental/functional, movable/portable, temporary, and earth sculpture rounds out the comprehensive coverage. -- From publisher's description.