International Sculpture Day

Lord shiva and parvati parsvanatha temple, khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India, Asia(Getty)

International Sculpture Day is an annual global event dedicated to honoring the art and impact of sculpture. Established by the International Sculpture Center in 2015, this celebration takes place on April 24th every year.

The primary aim of International Sculpture Day is to raise awareness and appreciation of sculpture as an art form, and to inspire engagement in the sculptural arts. This event provides a platform for sculptors, art enthusiasts, and the general public to come together and celebrate the diverse range of sculptural works and techniques.

Across different countries, a variety of events and activities are organized to mark International Sculpture Day. These can include exhibitions, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and public art installations. Many organizations, galleries, and museums worldwide participate in this event, offering free or discounted admission to exhibits and events.

International Sculpture Day serves as an opportunity to inspire artists and art lovers to connect and explore the ever-evolving world of sculpture. It is also a time to celebrate the unique and transformative power of sculpture in our lives and communities.

International Sculpture Day Celebrations

International Sculpture Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 24th that provides a platform for sculptors, art enthusiasts, and the general public to come together and celebrate the diverse range of sculptural works and techniques. Below are some ways in which International Sculpture Day is celebrated worldwide:

Kailasa Temple has been dubbed as ‘Cave 16’ of the Ellora Caves, and is notable for being the largest monolithic structure in the world that was carved out of a single piece of rock. Apart from the temple’s impressive size, it is also remarkable for its sculptures, as well as for the fine workmanship of its other architectural elements. The Kailasa Temple [known also as the Kailasanatha (which translates as ‘Lord of Kailasa’) Temple] is an ancient Hindu temple located in the western Indian region of Maharashtra. A UNESCO World Heritage

Exhibitions: 

Many galleries, museums, and art institutions organize exhibitions of sculptures by established and emerging artists. These exhibitions can showcase works made of different materials, including wood, stone, metal, and clay.

Workshops: 

Workshops are often held to allow people to learn and try their hand at sculpting. These workshops are designed for people of all skill levels and can be led by professional sculptors or art instructors.

Public art installations: 

Many cities and towns worldwide create temporary public art installations to mark International Sculpture Day. These installations can be located in public spaces such as parks, plazas, and streets.

Lectures and discussions: 

Talks and discussions are often held on International Sculpture Day to explore the history, significance, and evolution of sculpture. These sessions can be led by experts in the field, art historians, or artists.

Sculpture walks: 

Some cities organize sculpture walks to allow people to explore sculptures located in public spaces. These walks are often guided and can provide insights into the sculptures and their creators.

Social media campaigns: 

Many organizations and individuals use social media to celebrate International Sculpture Day by sharing images of sculptures, facts about sculptures, and stories about their experiences with sculptures.

In summary, International Sculpture Day is a special day to celebrate the art of sculpture, and it offers numerous opportunities for individuals to engage with and explore the world of sculptural arts.

International Sculpture Day History

International Sculpture Day, also known as IS Day, is an annual celebration of sculpture art that occurs on April 24th. The International Sculpture Center (ISC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the creation, understanding, and appreciation of sculpture, founded the event in 2015.

The main goal of International Sculpture Day is to increase awareness of sculpture and its influence on society while also honoring the contributions of sculptors worldwide. The event is open to all, including artists, educators, collectors, and enthusiasts.

Each year, the ISC establishes a theme for International Sculpture Day, which serves as a starting point for discussions, exhibitions, and events. The theme encourages creativity and encourages artists to explore new ideas and techniques.

Since its inception, International Sculpture Day has gained popularity, and cities worldwide have hosted events. Sculpture organizations, galleries, museums, and universities have arranged exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and other events to celebrate the day.

Overall, International Sculpture Day is a significant event for the sculpture community, providing an opportunity for artists and enthusiasts to come together and celebrate this art form.

Most famous Sculptures in the world

There are countless famous sculptures that have captured the world's attention throughout history. Here are some of the most well-known and celebrated sculptures in the world:

Michelangelo's David

 - Florence, Italy

Restoration work on Michelangelo's masterpiece David is completed, May 24, 2004 at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.(Getty)

Venus de Milo

 - Louvre Museum, Paris, France

views the ancient Greek statue 'Venus de Milo' during a visit to the Louvre in Paris, France, 1953.(Getty)

The Thinker

 - Musée Rodin, Paris, France

August Rodin's famous sculpture The Thinker in the grounds of the Musee Rodin, Paris(Getty)

The Statue of Liberty 

- New York, USA

The Statue of Liberty(Getty)

The Great Sphinx of Giza

 - Egypt

Great Sphinx of Giza (representing pharaoh Khafre) and Pyramid of Khafre (aka "Pyramid of Chephren") in Cairo, Egypt, a UNESCO heritage site(Getty)

The Terracotta Army 

- Xi'an, China

Ancient terracotta warriors stand in a pit at the Emperor Qin's Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum on July 7, 2006 in Lintong County of Shaanxi Province, China.(Getty)

Moai statues

 - Easter Island, Chile

Rano Raraku was a quarry for about 500 years until the early eighteenth century, and supplied the stone from which about 95% of the island's known monolithic sculptures (moai) were carved(Getty)

Pieta

 - St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

15th century pieta, the work of master sculptors Petar and Leonard Andrijic, above entrance door of the Franciscan Monastery (Franjevacki Samostan), Old Town (Stari Grad), Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Croatia, Europe.(Getty)

The Discus Thrower

 - National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece

Marble statue of naked Greek athelete about to throw a discuss. On white background(Getty)

Christ the Redeemer 

- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - November, 3rd 2003: Christ the Redeemer statue located at the top of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. In 2007 was elected one of the new seven wonders of the world.(Getty)

These sculptures have all achieved iconic status due to their incredible artistic merit, historical significance, or cultural value. Each sculpture is unique and represents a different period and style of art, but they all share a common thread of being awe-inspiring and timeless works of art.

Most famous sculptors in the world

There have been many influential and renowned sculptors throughout history. Here are some of the most famous sculptors in the world:

Michelangelo - 

Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, and architect known for works such as the Pieta and David.

Auguste Rodin -

 French sculptor best known for The Thinker and The Kiss.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini - 

Italian Baroque sculptor, painter, and architect known for works such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Donatello - 

Italian Renaissance sculptor known for works such as David and the Cantoria.

Alexander Calder -

 American sculptor known for his mobiles and large public installations.

Constantin Brancusi -

 Romanian sculptor known for his modernist abstract sculptures such as Bird in Space and The Kiss.

Louise Bourgeois - 

French-American artist known for her emotionally charged sculptures exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and the body.

Barbara Hepworth - 

British modernist sculptor known for her abstract works that explored the relationship between form and space.

Henry Moore - 

British sculptor known for his semi-abstract and organic forms, such as his reclining figures and large outdoor works.

Claes Oldenburg - 

Swedish-American sculptor known for his large-scale public sculptures of everyday objects, such as the Typewriter Eraser, Scale X.

These sculptors have all made significant contributions to the world of art, and their works continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.