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Correct Answer: degas
edgar degas, a prominent figure among the impressionists, is the artist who referred to sculpture as "a blind man's art." this label reflects his personal experiences and evolving artistic methods, particularly in his later years.
degas's relationship with sculpture was markedly different from his initial forays into painting. known primarily for his paintings and pastels, especially those depicting the movement and grace of dancers, degas developed an interest in sculpture later in his career. this transition coincided with his deteriorating eyesight, a challenge that profoundly influenced his artistic techniques and the mediums he preferred.
as degas's ability to see diminished, he increasingly turned to sculpture, a form that allowed him to engage directly with the physicality of his subjects through touch. this tactile method of creating art provided degas a new avenue to explore form and movement without relying heavily on his sight. his sculptures, primarily composed of wax originally and later cast in bronze posthumously, exemplify his skill and sensitivity to three-dimensional space and the dynamics of human motion.
the notion of sculpture being a "blind man's art" as stated by degas underscores the sensory shift from sight to touch, which he found essential in his sculptural practice. this perspective highlights an intimate connection between the artist's sensory experience and his creative expression, emphasizing how physical limitations can lead to new forms of artistic exploration.
degas's sculptures, like the famous series of dancers and horses, reveal his continued fascination with movement. his approach to these figures was not merely about capturing static forms but rather about imbuing them with a sense of life and kinetic energy, which he achieved through meticulous modeling and an intuitive understanding of anatomy and motion.
thus, degas's characterization of sculpture as a "blind man’s art" reflects both a personal adaptation to his visual impairment and a broader artistic insight into the capabilities of touch in understanding and conveying the physical world. this adaptation was not only a necessity due to his failing eyesight but also a testament to his innovative approach to art, making him a unique figure within the impressionist movement.
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