International Sculpture Symposiums and Impressions

The aim of this study is to examine the similarities and differences between stone sculpture symposium events, organized today in almost all countries over the world whether by organizations or as a person, upon the researcher's self-experience. The first of these activities was held in 1959 and started with the purpose of giving the sculptors the opportunity to work on large scale stones, then later became one of sculpture art's best-known and important events, thus without interfering with any kind of socio-cultural structure, this yearly activity was organized in many countries. Beyond its former aim, sculpture symposiums turned into artistic organizations today that rendered the gathering of selected sculptors in public places and the production of sculptures in those open areas possible. Alongside the variety of raw materials and project applications in sculpture symposiums, the changeable working atmospheres caused by different weather conditions and culture mean a new experience for the artists each time and compel their ability to express themselves. The researcher's experiences gained in 30 different international symposiums made it possible to attribute a critical interpretation on the phenomenon of symposium, which became indispensable for the art of sculpture. This research project is based on the examination and comparison of examples and by providing an insight, is equally essential for both sculptors and symposium organizers.