The role of sculpture has changed substantially in recent times. Here, I consider how the concept of monument and memorial, familiar since classical antiquity, shifts towards other concerns. I discuss how sculpture now plays a vitally important role in terms of site in the city; how the sculpture park comes into being in Britain in the mid-20th century, thanks to the efforts of Sir Henry Moore, and grows exponentially across the globe; how water has attracted artists to make exceptional works in or alongside it; and not least, how sculpture has become a challenging and exciting space for social encounter. Among others, I include Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Richard Long, Claes Oldenburg, Cornelia Parker and Rachel Whiteread - artists who also feature in my book, Sculpture Now.
Anna Mosynska
I am a London-based lecturer and writer specialising in contemporary art. During the 1990s, I oversaw the development of the first British Master’s Degree in the subject at Sotheby’s Institute. I have also taught at institutions including The City Lit, the Royal Academy and Tate London, as well as lecturing in cities ranging from Dubai to New York. I currently teach at academic institutions in London and Paris and run my own courses. My books include Abstract Art (1990, enlarged ed. 2020) and Sculpture Now (2013), both published by Thames & Hudson. I enjoy introducing art to audiences in a lively and approachable way to make modern and contemporary art both accessible and interesting.