Levels of Three Dimensionality

Here are some images of sculptures that vary in regards to their levels of three dimensionality. Each sculpture can be classified as either low relief, high relief, in the round, or walk through. 

The first is a Mayan low relief sculpture. Look at how the stone is carved to release the shapes in a subtle manner. The sculpture offers a viewing experience from a single fixed viewpoint.

 

The second Sculpture is a high relief piece by Louise Nevelson entitled "Sky Cathedral." Even though the piece is frontal much like the Mayan sculpture, It has substantially more depth which invites the viewer to look and move around the sculpture to a greater extent.

The third sculpture is a piece by Martin Puryear entitled "Bower." The piece sits directly on the floor and it is considered in the round because a viewer can move around it and view it from all angles. Because Martin Puryear's use of linear materials viewers are invited to follows the lines around the piece in order to understand the form from more than one vantage point. 

                                                        

 

The last sculpture, "Walking Figures" by Magdalena 

Abkanowicz, is considered walk through. Multiple, life-size, individual, figural forms are presented in an array over a large area. Viewers not only interact with each singular figure, but also the entire group as a whole. Passing through the space defined by the forms creates an experience that engages the viewers sense of time and place.