The Sculpture Library, like the other libraries of the Policy Studies Organization’s Westphalia Press, is being developed as a resource and place for conversation for teachers and students and for all interested in the arts. This is being done with the recommendations of scholars who are interested in encouraging the study of the social ramifications of sculpture and the space it occupies.

 

          Wrestling with the frequently competing directions taken by the subject, we are constantly adding to the collection with the help of many, not the least by antiquarian book dealers. Some of the books here may be old but their future and the future of sculpture will partly depend on taking advantage of the new technology that now and  in coming years is making knowledge and insight accessible worldwide via the internet. 

 

     While at times it has seemed that sculpture in the 21st century has been dominated by the outrageously avant-garde, our sculpture titles show that the classical or realistic school has never deserted the scene.  Dignity and balance, creation of order rather than chaos, are hallmarks of the books here.

 

      Dignity is important because sculpture, particularly public sculpture, has a role in creating social bonds, a sense of community, and in our sharing of common values. It is not dated idea that was confined to the court of Queen Victoria, and frankly we need more of it today. There has been a lack of dignity to the assaults on public sculpture that while justifiably fueled by rage over the depictions by sculptures of causes like the Confederate side in the American Civil War and statues of political leaders like Russia’s Josef Stalin, have been sadly marked by the rankest vandalism and violence.

 

    There has also been very sharp debate over the desire of some artists to shock, startle, and perplex.  Novelty has been the dominant theme.  The challenge is to have strong opinions about this, but retain civility, never an easy road. Words like dignity and wisdom are not out of place in arts criticism and in considering the traditions of sculpture. In the following comments we will try to suggest some directions for serious thought.