Dimensional Art

The concept of dimensions has its roots in mathematics and is used to account for the height, width, and depth of an object. You can view it as size or measure it in any one of three directions. It is certainly possible to represent one, two, or three dimensions illustratively, and this is where the concept of dimensional art comes into the mix.

Understanding Physical Dimensions in Art

Physical dimensions in the art are much like their mathematic counterparts. Every piece can be represented and perceived in height, length, and width. These allow the art pieces to be reviewed and critiqued based on human perception. What makes different art forms stand out is how they employ these dimensions to create pictorial appeal.

Length and height are the two most basic dimensions, and art pieces take advantage of at least these two. Technically speaking, it is possible to create a piece of art that only takes advantage of only length or height, but you may find its visual value severely diminished.

Other art pieces allow creators to add depth to the length and width, creating a more rounded perception.

What is Dimensional Art?

Art occupies physical space, whether on a blank canvas in painting or on a pedestal in sculpting. It does this by consuming a portion of the dimensions measured above.

This concept speaks to art forms that take advantage of dimensions. It is the use of physical space in a way that appeals to the viewer. Depending on the discipline and the discretion of the artist, you can see this kind of art take on different styles and layers.

Dimensional Art Forms

Dimensional art forms tend to fall on the visual side of the spectrum. So, while the performing arts can technically be viewed by humans, the value often comes from the actions that the artists are performing as opposed instead of a physical product that is the result of the completion.

Of course, this is not the case with dimensional art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and the like. The main event here is the physical product that the artist produces at the end of the “artmaking sessions.”

What Are the Types of Dimensions in Art?

This boils down to two types. The first takes advantage of length and width, and these are known as two-dimensional art pieces. Next, there are three-dimensional art pieces that add depth to the mix, consuming more of the field of vision.

This is where a bit of confusion comes into the mix. If an artist were to sculpt a representation of someone’s head, it would not be difficult to ascertain length, width, and depth. Therefore, sculptures are considered three-dimensional forms of art.

However, you may look at a drawing and think it is also considered three-dimensional art because the artist has managed to represent all three dimensions expertly.

Nevertheless, the fact this is simply your interpretation is based on perception, which is where the difference lies. Realistically, you are still looking at a two-dimensional art form, crafted in such a way that depth appears to be present. You wouldn’t be able to pick it up and turn it around to perceive this depth. Bear this in mind as you are classifying two and three-dimensional forms of art.

How Many Dimensions Can Humans Perceive?

Up until now, three dimensions have been mentioned. Humans have no trouble comprehending seeing any of them. That’s why techniques are used to create three-dimensional illusions with two-dimensional art forms.

Depending on which side of the argument you fall, there is a fourth dimension that the human mind can perceive. This is the dimension of time. Whether you agree you can perceive time as a dimension or not, it’s not necessarily at the fore of art discussions, since it has no bearing on how visual pieces are represented.

Albert Einstein is the one who shed light on the dimension of time, which stands out because the other three are way more straightforward and can be represented visually.

Final Remarks

Though dimensional art pieces can appear quite complex, from a perceptive standpoint, it’s quite simple. Height, length, and width are the three visible dimensions that the human mind can fathom.

Artists may create two or three-dimensional pieces, depending on the art form being used. Flat surface variations, such as paintings, are considered two-dimensional while those bearing depth intrinsically, such as sculpting, are considered three-dimensional.

Illusions may be used to have 2D methods appear in 3D. This works because once present, even in the form of an illusion, it can be seen by the human mind.

“From Above” by Angelo Accardi is a perfectly illustrative example of three-dimensional illusion. Though completed on a flat plane, you can perceive the depth of Homer Simpson, the birds, and the room. Other Angelo Accardi works including “Andy and Jean-Michael” and “Michael with the Nightawks” further illustrate this.

Time, introduced as a dimension by Einstein may also be considered, but it has no bearing on the world of art, which puts it outside the parameters of the conversation. Hopefully, the concept of dimensional art is now clearer to you.