The iWISE Olympiad is not just another art competition, it is a platform that empowers young emerging artists to challenge the boundaries of their talent in the world of art and to inspire innovation and change. Sculpting is the art of creating objects by shaping materials. This shaping can be carving, where material is removed from an object like marble to reveal form, or modelling, where the artist creates form by adding materials, such as clay. The process of sculpting starts with the artist conceptualising a particular subject. Subsequently, the artist decides the size of the sculpture and material to be used.
The iWISE Olympiad’s visual arts contest provides an international platform for emerging artists to launch their careers, offering a critical stepping stone from student work to mainstream professional recognition.
Discover and showcase emerging talent
– Create a launching pad: The primary objective is to identify and showcase the work of exceptional young artists, giving them a prestigious international platform and the initial momentum needed to break into the professional art world.
– Broaden career opportunities: By providing a global stage and official recognition, the contest helps artists build a professional reputation, attract potential buyers and curators, and enhance their portfolios for higher education or gallery representation.
– Cultivate professional development: Beyond showcasing a finished piece, the contest encourages students to develop the entire skillset required of a professional artist, from refining their technical skills to preparing their portfolio for a global audience.
Provide global exposure and community
– Offer unmatched visibility: Participating students gain exposure to an international audience they would not otherwise have access to, which helps establish their presence in the global art community.
– Facilitate networking: By bringing together talented young artists from around the world, the contest fosters connections and a sense of community, allowing for creative exchange and potential future collaborations.
– Empower through recognition: Official recognition from the iWISE Olympiad and its expert judging panel can significantly boost a young artist’s confidence, validating their hard work and unique artistic vision.
Encourage mastery and professional practice
– Promote artistic maturity: The competition encourages students to move beyond isolated projects and consider their body of work as a cohesive whole, which is a necessary step for professional gallery and exhibition opportunities.
– Promote high standards: Evaluation is based on criteria like originality, technique, and overall impact, pushing young artists to achieve a high level of craftsmanship and creative execution.
– Reward creative innovation: The contest encourages experimentation with both traditional and unconventional materials, techniques, and concepts, and rewards innovative and fresh approaches to art
– Artwork must not be larger than 50cmx50cm, which includes a possible frame.
– The weight limit of the sculpture is 5kg max.
– An applicant may submit more than one Sculpture.
– No tires may be used, other than that there is no specification for material used. A preference is given to natural elements.
– Your sculpture should have a long shelf life — “temporary” sculptures should last at least 6 months.
– No installation sculptures may be entered.
– No drilling will be permitted for the hanging of any artwork.
– The organisation reserves the right to refuse the display of any sculpture which may be of a potentially dangerous nature that might cause injury or damage to persons or goods.
– The sculpture must have the ability to be packed, transported, and exhibited.
– No artwork containing hate speech, propaganda or violence against race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation will be accepted.
– The video presentation of the artwork must be up to 3 minutes, with English subtitles.
– The applicant is responsible for any artwork lost, stolen or damaged.
- Click on the Registration Tab
- Select one of the Virtual Rounds
- Fill in your details.
- Fill in your selected category details on the corresponding form.
- Select your available time for the Judging process.
- Submit your zoom judging session.
- Proceed to payment.
- Complete your submission.
Evaluation criteria for a sculpture art competition at the iWISE Olympiad should be comprehensive, balancing technical mastery with creative expression and conceptual depth. Given the Olympiad’s objective to launch young artists into the mainstream, the criteria should reflect professional standards while encouraging emerging talent.
Evaluation Criteria
Technical skill and craftsmanship
Judges will assess the artist’s proficiency and control of their chosen materials and techniques.
– Mastery of medium: The sculptor demonstrates a high level of skill in manipulating their chosen material, whether it be clay, wood, metal, mixed media, or other substances.
– Finish and detail: The work is expertly completed with attention to detail. Finishes are consistent, and surfaces are polished or textured as intended.
– Structural integrity: The sculpture is well-constructed and durable. All components are securely attached, and the piece can withstand handling and display.
Creativity and originality
This criterion evaluates the uniqueness of the artwork’s concept and execution.
– Original concept: The idea behind the sculpture is fresh, innovative, and not a copy of existing work.
– Innovative application: The artist uses materials and techniques in a creative or unconventional way that enhances the artistic vision.
– Personal voice: The work showcases the artist’s unique perspective and creative voice, giving it a distinctive character.
Composition and form
Judges will analyze how the artist arranges the physical elements of the sculpture.
– Effective use of space: The artist shows a strong command of three-dimensional space, both positive and negative. The sculpture is visually compelling from multiple angles and views.
– Balance and proportion: The sculpture exhibits a pleasing or interesting arrangement of shapes and sizes. Visual weight is well-distributed, whether the balance is symmetrical or asymmetrical.
– Visual interest: The composition holds the viewer’s attention and encourages them to explore the piece from all sides.
Concept and emotional impact
This criterion assesses the narrative and emotional power of the work.
– Meaningful concept: The sculpture effectively communicates a clear message, story, or emotion. The title of the piece should reflect and influence this meaning.
– Evokes emotion: The artwork connects with the viewer on a deeper level, eliciting a strong emotional response or sparking contemplation.
– Artist statement: The written statement supporting the work clearly explains the artist’s intent, inspiration, and creative process.
Requirements for Virtual Finals:
Artwork must not be larger than 50cmx50cm, which includes a possible frame.
The weight limit of the sculpture is 5kg max.
3 Clear Pictures of the Sculpture.
Pictures can be presented in a PowerPoint Presentation or
Pictures can be saved as a PDF document that must be sent to judges via Zoom Chat
No theme for this category.
Group submission is up to 3 participants
Requirements for Global Finals:
Artwork must not be larger than 50cmx50cm, which includes a possible frame.
The weight limit of the sculpture is 5kg max.
Abstract
Poster must be on a white sheet of A2 size (42 x 59.4 cm/16.5 x 23.4 inch).
Prototype (If Applicable)
PowerPoint Presentation (Optional)
No theme for this category
Group submission is up to 3 participants.