DEVELOPMENT OF SCULPTURE FORFUNCTIONALITY: AN EXPLORATION WITH TERRACOTTA IN THE LANDSCAPE
DEVELOPMENT OF SCULPTURE FORFUNCTIONALITY: AN EXPLORATION WITH TERRACOTTA IN THE LANDSCAPE
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Date
2006-12
Authors
YUSUF, AYINDE ABDULRASAQ
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Abstract
The history of sculpture from time reveals the use of varied materials as well as its
utility for a multitude of functions; amidst this too is the contentious issue of the
varied spaces in which sculpture is placed. However there was a glaring trend
since the prehistoric period of the close affinity of sculpture with architectural
spaces which seemed to have placed a kind of limitation on the freedom of
sculptors as well as the choice of space for sculpture. On the contemporary scene,
while it is known that sculptors in Europe and America have been able to liberalise
the choice of spaces exploring with a wider range of industrial methods and media,
there continued to be a noticeable trend, within the Nigeria landscape, that
sculptures continued to be entwined within architectural spaces. Worst still,
terracotta as a material for sculpture has continued to be used only for works
meant for the four walls of archy spaces, this is despite the use of more fragile
materials, like glass for sculpture in the open landscape. The objective of this
project was, therefore, to produce terracotta sculpture for the landscape in public
spaces, to be touched, walked through or stayed in temporarily. Essentially relying
on real models, diagrams and illustrations adapted to suit the intended functional
purposes, the method used was largely based on empirical observation and studio
experiment. While the making of large colossal piece of terracotta meant for
public traffic proved an arduous task in building and firing, the experienced
afforded a stimulating line of rendition and opened a new vista in the acceptance
of the degradation that affects terracotta sculptures as they get eroded by both the
inevitable natural and artificial agents of enthrophic dilapidation.
Description
BEING A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POST GRADUATE
SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILLENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF FINE ARTS
(M. F. A.) IN SCULPTURE
DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA.
DECEMBER 2006
Keywords
DEVELOPMENT,, SCULPTURE,, FORFUNCTIONALITY:, EXPLORATION,, TERRACOTTA,, LANDSCAPE