A new book by art historian Jo Baring, titled "Totem," delves into the rich history and diverse expressions of sculpture, examining how artists across millennia have sought to capture the human spirit.
Baring's work invites readers to see sculpture not merely as an object, but as a "vessel, a holder of human knowledge, and imagination." She begins by exploring the simple forms found in nature, like pebbles, which inspired renowned 20th-century sculptors such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. The book posits that for millennia, humans have used available materials to create objects with no immediate practical use, conveying feelings and messages—the essence of sculpture.
While iconic works like Antony Gormley's "Angel of the North" and Rodin's "The Kiss" are mentioned, Baring's approach is personal, aiming to "unearth the untold story of sculpture." She traces the etymology of the word "totem" to the Ojibwe word "ototeman," signifying "to dwell together," suggesting that sculpture can be something shared and a repository of place and community that outlasts individuals.
The book guides readers on a global journey, from prehistoric artifacts like the lion-man figure found in a German cave to ancient Mayan pyramids and the innovations of 20th-century artists. Baring explores how sculpture has expressed power, loss, identity, and the fundamental human need to make meaning through form.
Baring highlights artists who have expanded the possibilities of sculpture, including Hepworth, Constantin Brancusi, Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama, and Gormley. She also revisits familiar works with a fresh perspective, considering the materials used and how artists drew inspiration from the natural world, with collections of pebbles, feathers, and bones found in their studios.
Reflecting on the enduring impulse to create, contemporary Indian artist Bharti Kher is quoted as saying, "All of us artists, from way back, perhaps from when we first put our handprints on a cave wall, were trying to capture this thing called the human spirit…a hard thing to catch." This sentiment brings the narrative back to the initial observation of a pebble, raising questions about how humans define art and why its impact is so individual.
Baring encourages readers to engage with sculpture, whether it's admiring Michelangelo's "David," contemplating Gormley's "Angel of the North," or even finding amusement in other forms. The essential point, she suggests, is to look and respond, allowing the artwork to connect with one's own spirit. "Totem" is now available from the Mail Bookshop.
