Creative sculptures, as an important branch of contemporary art, has broken the boundaries of traditional sculpture with its unique forms of expression and infinite imagination. These works are not only a representation of reality, but also the profound thoughts and emotions conveyed by artists through innovative exploration of materials, forms, and spaces.
1. Creative sculptures Mustangs of Las Colinas
The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a sculpture group created by Robert Glen and is considered one of the largest horse sculptures in the world. This sculpture group is located in Las Colinas, Texas, USA, symbolizing the spirit of the people of Texas pursuing freedom.
This Creative sculptures consists of nine running wild horses, depicting the galloping posture of the horses on the grassland. Sculptures not only showcase the strength and beauty of horses, but also capture their freedom and vitality. The entire sculpture group is set up in a shallow pool, making the horses seem to be running in the water, adding dynamism and realism.
2. Expansion
Expansion is a famous sculpture created by artist Paige Bradley. This sculpture is located in New York, USA, depicting a woman sitting naked with her body split open, and light shining out from the cracks, symbolizing inner strength and the radiance of her soul.
This Creative sculptures expresses the resilience and strength of human beings in the face of difficulties and pressures through this unique way, while also conveying the inner light and soul sublimation. This artistic expression technique has made ‘Expansion’ a powerful visual symbol symbolizing personal growth, freedom, and spiritual liberation.
3. The Passage
“Przejście “or” The Passage “is a famous sculpture group in Wroc ł aw, Poland, created by artist Jerzy Kalina. This group of sculptures is located at the intersection of Ś widnika Street and Pi ł sudskiego Street, depicting a scene where a group of people gradually disappear underground and then reappear from the other side.
The sculpture group of “Passersby” consists of 14 characters, 7 on one side of the street and the other 7 on the opposite side, depicting the dynamic process of gradually sinking from the ground to the ground and reappearing. The design of the sculpture group aims to commemorate the period of martial law in Poland in 1981, when many people were forced to move and live underground to escape government repression.
4. Transcendence
Transcendence is a famous public art piece located in Portland, Oregon, USA, created by artist Keith Jellum. This sculpture depicts a huge bronze salmon, crossing the walls of a building as if leaping out of them.
This salmon creative sculptures is approximately 11 feet (3.35 meters) long and cleverly installed on the walls of buildings in downtown Portland, giving a dynamic visual effect.
5. People of the River
People of the River is a famous outdoor sculpture group in Singapore, created by sculptor Chong Fah Cheong. This sculpture group is located on the banks of the Singapore River, near Cavenagh Bridge, vividly depicting the early life scenes of people living by the river in Singapore.
This set of sculptures includes five bronze statues, depicting a boy jumping into the river from the riverbank, and four other children playing and watching by the river. These statues meticulously capture the vitality and carefree state of children, reflecting the early community life scene in Singapore.
6. Shoes on the Danube Bank
Shoes on the Danube Bank “is a commemorative sculpture located in Budapest, Hungary, created by sculptor Gyula Pauer and director Can Togay. This sculpture group is located on the banks of the Danube River, near the Parliament Building, and was established to commemorate the Jewish people who were massacred by the Nazis during World War II.
This sculpture consists of 60 pairs of old-fashioned iron cast leather shoes, showcasing various types of shoes for men, women, and children, as if their owners had just taken them off and left forever. The sculpture realistically reproduces the tragic scene of the victims being ordered to take off their shoes on the banks of the Danube River during the Nazi persecution of Jews, and then being shot and thrown into the river.
7. The Knotted Gun
The Knotted Gun is a famous sculpture located in Turtle Bay near the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA. This artwork was created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reutersw ä rd and unveiled in 1980.
The sculpture depicts the barrel of a huge handgun being tied into a knot, symbolizing the concepts of nonviolence and peace. This sculpture is in memory of John Lennon, a renowned musician and peace activist who was assassinated in 1980. Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono and other peace advocates supported and promoted this commemorative project.
8. Freedom
Freedom is a famous sculpture created by sculptor Zenos Frudakis, located in Philadelphia, USA. This work showcases the process of a person breaking free from a huge wall mold, symbolizing the spirit of pursuing freedom and breaking free from constraints.
The sculpture is divided into four parts, each depicting a different stage of liberation. At first, the character clung tightly to the mold and gradually began to struggle. Then, the body parts had already freed themselves from the mold and finally completely freed themselves, symbolizing the attainment of freedom. Each section showcases extremely delicate and vivid details, reflecting the strength and courage liberated from oppression.
9. Black Ghost
“Juodasis Vaiduoklis “or” Black Ghost “is a famous sculpture in Klaipeda, Lithuania, created by artist S Jurkus and S Plotnikovas creation. The sculpture is located on the banks of the Dane River in the port of Klaipeda, near the Klaipeda Castle Museum.
This sculpture depicts a mysterious black ghost, with its body sticking out of the water and seemingly climbing ashore from the river, holding an ancient lantern in its hand. The image of the ghost is both stunning and somewhat terrifying, with intricate carvings that make it look lifelike. Legend has it that this ghost represents the guardian of the city of Klaipeda, reminding people to remain vigilant and protect the safety of the city at all times.
10. Les Voyageurs
Les Voyageurs “is a series of sculptures created by French sculptor Bruno Catalano, some of which are famous works located in Marseille, France. The sculpture showcases a series of characters dressed in travel attire, each with obvious missing parts, as if a part of the character’s body has been removed or disappeared.
These sculptures are carefully designed to maintain the overall balance and structure of the missing parts, symbolizing the lost and gained parts of the journey. They express the lack and incompleteness that travelers feel when they leave their hometowns, while also showcasing the growth and new experiences that travel brings.
11. The Mandela statue
The Mandela statue is located in Mandela Square in Pretoria, South Africa, and was built to commemorate Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa. This statue was created by South African sculptor Jean Doyle and unveiled in 2004.
The Mandela statue depicts his standing posture, facing the square. This statue conveys Mandela’s important role in the South African liberation movement and his leadership role in ending apartheid. On the pedestal of the statue stands Mandela’s famous quote: ‘Freedom is inseparable, and our freedom will always be closely linked to the freedom of South Africa.’.
12. Mannerken Pis
Mannerken Pis is a famous sculpture in Brussels, Belgium, and one of the city’s iconic landmarks. This sculpture was created in 1619 by sculptor Jerome Dunant and depicts a scene of a naked boy urinating.
The name of this sculpture is translated as “Little Pee boy” in English, vividly depicting a mischievous boy “throwing water” at passersby, sometimes decorated in different costumes. There are usually some traditional stories and legends next to sculptures, such as those related to historical events and urban culture in Brussels.
13. The Cattle Drive
The Cattle Drive is a famous sculpture set located in Dallas, Texas, USA, created by artist Robert Scott Joplin. This set of sculptures is located in Pioneer Plaza in downtown Dallas, depicting a scene of cowboys driving cattle in late 19th century Texas.
The sculpture ‘Driving the Cattle’ includes three cowboys and over 50 cows, making it one of the largest bronze sculpture groups in the world. This set of sculptures vividly reproduces the heroic scene of cowboys driving cattle, showcasing the important cowboy culture and lifestyle in Texas history.
14. Maman
Maman is a giant spider sculpture created by French artist Louise Bourgeois, located at the entrance of the Tate Modern in London, UK. This sculpture is about 9 meters high and is part of a series of spider sculptures created by Bourgeois.
The sculpture ‘Spider’ is inspired by Bourgeois’ mother, symbolizing motherhood, guardianship, and creativity. The enormous size and exaggerated form of the sculpture leave a deep impression on people, while also reflecting Bourgeois’ profound thoughts and emotional expression on family, women, and life.
15. Creative sculptures hippopotamus statue
In Taipei, Taiwan, there is a famous hippopotamus statue located at the entrance of the Taipei Zoo. This statue was created by American sculptor James Prosek and unveiled in 2010.
This hippopotamus statue was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Taipei Zoo, symbolizing one of the featured animals in the zoo’s African Zoo. This statue depicts a scene of a hippopotamus playing in the water, vividly reproducing the characteristics and living habits of this animal.
16. Sinking Building
Sinking Building is an iconic sculpture in Melbourne, Australia, also known as” Catacombs “. This sculpture is located on the campus of the University of Melbourne and was created by artist Christopher Burden.
The design of this sculpture is unique, resembling a building sinking beneath the ground, with only a portion of the roof and walls exposed. The artistic style and visual effects of sculpture have attracted many people to stop and watch, and have sparked contemplation on architecture and space.
17. The Artis Zoo
The Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands, has an area called Lizard Park that showcases various types of lizards and iguanas. Amsterdam Zoo is a historic zoo established in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe.
At Lizard Park, you can see various lizards and iguanas from around the world, including some very rare and peculiar species. This area showcases the ecological environment and behavior of these reptiles, allowing visitors to better understand their living habits and characteristics.
18. Man at Work
Man at Work is a set of sculptures created by British sculptor Colin Spofforth, located in the city center of Bratislava, Slovakia. This set of sculptures showcases several men wearing work clothes, performing various tasks.
This set of sculptures aims to depict the labor and living conditions of the working class, reflecting the spirit and work attitude of Slovak workers. The men in the sculpture are vividly portrayed, displaying their postures and expressions while working, giving a sense of familiarity and authenticity.
19. Mihai Eminescu
Mihai Eminescu is a commemorative statue located on Pia ț a Mihai Eminescu Square in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Mihai Eminenescu is a famous Romanian poet and is considered one of the most important literary figures in Romania. His poetry is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Romanian literature.
This statue was created by sculptor Ion Jalea in 1933 and is a stone portrait sculpture that showcases the image of Eminenescu. This work is very beautiful, with the face changing with the scenery of this road throughout the year, while the poet’s gaze remains bright and powerful. The pedestal of the statue is engraved with the name and date of birth and death of Eminenescu, as well as some of his famous poems.
20. Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate, 2006
Cloud Gate “is a public sculpture created by Indian British artist Anish Kapoor in 2006, located in Millennium Park, Chicago, USA. The sculpture is affectionately known as “The Bean” due to its smooth stainless steel surface and unique pod shape. Its huge curved surface reflects the surrounding urban landscape, sky, and tourists, creating a dreamlike visual experience.
Kapoor cleverly blurs the boundary between reality and reflection through this design, prompting people to rethink their interaction with the environment when they stop in front of the sculpture. Cloud Gate has become an iconic landmark in Chicago, attracting tourists from all over the world.
21. Man Hanging Out
First created in 1996, the work known as “Zavěšený muž” (“Man Hanging Out”) is the vision of Czech sculptor David Černý, whose work can actually be found all across Prague. Many of Cerny’s works are seen as somewhat deliberately provocative, and this one is no different. The dangling Freud is surprisingly lifelike at a distance, and a number of people have sincerely taken it for a person in danger.
22. The Kelpies
Kelpies is a set of giant horse shaped sculptures in Grangemouth, Scotland, created by Scottish artist Andy Scott. This set of sculptures is located at the entrance of the Folkkland Clyde Canal and is one of the important works of contemporary art in Scotland.
Each sculpture is about 30 meters high and made of steel, representing the legendary aquatic spirit with vivid images. These sculptures are meant to commemorate the legends and stories of water elves in Scottish tradition, as well as to celebrate and bless the importance of the Kirkland Clyde Canal.
23. The Bronze Pig on Rundle Mall
The Bronze Pig on Rundle Mall is one of the famous sculptures in Adelaide, Australia. This bronze pig statue is located on Rundle Mall in the center of Adelaide and is an iconic landscape in the area.
This statue was created by sculptor Marguerite Derricourt and was installed on the Blue Road shopping street in 1999. The statue depicts a vivid and lifelike pig, as if waving to passersby. The bronze pig statue has become a popular gathering place and photo spot in the city center of Adelaide.
24. The Unknown Bureaucrat
The Creative sculptures Unknown Bureaucrat is a famous sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland, created by Icelandic artist Magn ú s T ó masson. The sculpture is located near L æ kjargata Street in the center of Reykjavik.
This sculpture depicts an unnamed official wearing a suit, with his head and upper body replaced by a massive stone, appearing to carry a heavy burden. The sculpture satirizes the anonymity and oppression in modern bureaucracy and the workplace through this exaggerated way.
25. The Headington Shark
The Headington Shark is a famous sculpture located in the Headington district of Oxford, UK. This unique artwork was created by sculptor John Buckley and was first installed on the roof of a residential building on New High Street on August 9, 1986.
This sculpture depicts a massive shark that appears to have descended from the sky and is violently crashing into the roof of a house. The shark is about 25 feet (7.6 meters) long, and its abrupt and dramatic design has attracted widespread attention and discussion.
26. The Force of Nature II, Lorenzo Quinn
Lorenzo Quinn’s “The Force of Nature II” is a sculpture full of tension and dynamism, depicting a female figure symbolizing nature, vigorously spinning the earth. This work vividly portrays the powerful power and unrestrained energy of nature through materials such as stainless steel, bronze, and aluminum. Sculpture conveys the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the domination and influence of natural forces on the world, reminding people of their reverence and respect for nature. Its elegant design and profound symbolism have made ‘The Power of Nature II’ an iconic public art work in many cities around the world.
27. META Lmorphosis
The Creative sculptures “METAL morphosis” created by renowned Czech sculptor David Č ern ý is a modern sculpture standing at a height of 7.6 meters, located in the center of Prague. This work is made of stainless steel material and consists of 42 layers of rotatable metal plates, stacked layer by layer to form a human face, representing the complexity and multiple identities of modern people. The sculpture continuously rotates through mechanical devices, and the independent movement of each metal plate constantly changes the image of the human head, providing the audience with a highly dynamic visual experience. This sculpture not only showcases the fusion of contemporary art and technology, but also becomes a remarkable landmark artwork in Prague.
28. Die Badende
Oliver Voss’ Creative sculptures “Die Badende” is a large temporary sculpture located on Lake Ulster in Hamburg, Germany. This sculpture depicts a huge female figure, as if lifting her body from the lake, revealing her head and knees, leisurely enjoying the time in the water. This work blends the artistic expression of water and the human body in a unique way, as if the lake has become her natural bath. Sculpture not only attracts countless tourists to come and admire, but also adds a humorous and dreamlike atmosphere to the landscape of the lake, becoming one of the symbols of Hamburg’s urban art.
29. Creative sculptures Le Passe-Muraille
The Creative sculptures “Le Passe Muraille” located in the Montmartre district of Paris was created by artist Albert SOBO, inspired by the novel “The Passer Muraille” by French writer Marlowe. It vividly depicts the scene of a man’s half body embedded in a wall, as if he is crossing a solid obstacle. This work is not only full of humor and fantasy, but also conveys a longing for freedom and escapism. The sculpture is located on an old wall, complementing the surrounding environment and artworks, attracting countless tourists to take photos and become a unique landmark in the Mengma Special Zone.
30. Dramatic Fairy Sculptures Dancing With Dandelions By Robin Wight
The Creative sculptures series “fairy Dancing with Dandelions” created by British artist Robin Wight uses delicate metal wire as material to showcase the dynamic scene of elves dancing lightly in the wind. These elf statues hold dandelions, as if interacting with natural forces, full of drama and mystery. White perfectly combines the agility of elves with the lightness of dandelions through delicate techniques, giving the work vitality and fantasy colors. These sculptures are often installed in outdoor gardens, as if the wind blows and the elves dance with it at any time, allowing viewers to feel the magical charm of fairy tales.
