Sculpture in the Digital Age

In the age of rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI), sculpture – an art form once thought to belong solely to human hands and emotions – is also undergoing new developments due to technological advancements. However, at the boundary between technology and creativity, is it perhaps the artist's hands and heart that ultimately determine whether the form comes to life?

AI enters the world of sculpture.

For a long time, the process of creating sculptures has involved technology at many stages. According to sculptors, the recent rapid development of AI has helped accelerate the creative process, shorten practice time, and expand experimental possibilities.

Many AI tools are now capable of analyzing thousands of classical and modern sculpture samples to suggest new designs. Software like Midjourney, DALL·E, or AI-integrated 3D design systems such as Runway ML, ZBrush + AI plugins… allow artists to easily simulate shapes, materials, and lighting before crafting or 3D printing.

Decorative sculptures in the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street area. Photo: DUNG PHUONG

The most obvious benefit of applying AI in sculpture is the saving of time and production costs. Previously, the process from sketch to completion took weeks or months; with AI, 3D modeling can be completed in just minutes from a hand-drawn sketch or verbal description. AI also accurately calculates material quantities and suggests processing methods to minimize waste, thus saving materials and reducing environmental impact.

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Professor and Doctor of Fine Arts Nguyen Xuan Tien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, commented: “The use of image classification systems allows sculptors to create a series of designs in a short time, which is useful for projects requiring multiple presentation options. This support helps artists to be more creative and experimental, overcoming language, cultural, and geographical barriers, and expanding access to resources and tools globally.”

Adapt to the situation.

The prevalence of AI is undeniable. However, unlike other visual arts, sculpture has its own language – the language of form. From form, lighting effects are created, bringing different shades and images depending on the curvature, distance, and visibility. Therefore, each sculpture is the culmination of the artistry, intellect, and emotions of the creator, from the initial sketch to the final completion.

Sculptor Lam Quang Noi argues that in other art forms, technology, especially AI, can be very effective. But with sculpture or relief, they have an independent place, closely linked to angles, shapes, and three-dimensional space. The need to depict the protruding nose or the recessed eyes appropriately within three-dimensional space and the overall perspective… these are things that AI would find difficult to solve. Perhaps technology only assists in a few stages, such as creating models for statues, carving stone, or casting bronze. Sculpture is a real form in real space, so each work is a continuous creative journey, where the artist uses their physical, intellectual, and emotional strength to “dialogue” with matter.

Sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien added: “For large monuments and public works that require different perspectives, go through many stages, use different materials, and undergo evaluation by an art council, AI technology can hardly provide effective support. While it may help save costs and shorten time, the artistic quality cannot compare to traditional methods.”

Conversely, for decorative sculptures or mass-produced products, the application of 3D technology and AI offers high economic efficiency: faster and more accurate construction, reduced manpower, and lower costs. In the field of architecture, AI also assists in the concept research phase – with just a few sketches or verbal descriptions, the software can generate intuitive and diverse design options.

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Sculpture, regardless of its stage, remains the art of form and light, of a dialogue between man and matter, between emotion and space. Technology may make things faster and more precise, but only humans can breathe life into inanimate blocks of stone, bronze, and wood, transforming them into works of art. Therefore, "adapting to circumstances" in the digital age is not about chasing technology, but about mastering technology to preserve the spirit of creativity – something no AI can replace.

OCEAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nghe-thuat-dieu-khac-trong-thoi-dai-so-post821418.html