Monumental sculptures tend to have an undeniable “wow” factor, but their towering presences are often the result of complex start-to-finish logistics—from finding fabricators to structurally complicated shipping and installation realities.

Indianapolis’s Long-Sharp Gallery knew it was beginning a major undertaking when it began to organize its current exhibition, “Sculpture of Scale,” a show of large-scale sculptures by 12 international contemporary artists.  

“We work with several large-scale sculptors and are acutely aware of the difficulties in transporting the works and putting together pieces for a show like this. Because we have this knowledge, we were well positioned to put together an exhibit that we believe has been missing,” explained gallery director Rachel Coy.

“Sculpture of Scale,” now on view, features 12 sculptures that together exceed a total of 6,000 pounds of art. (The heaviest of all is the cast glass tire A Monument to Childhood by sculptor Steven Durow.) 

Though work of such scale might seem prohibitive to collectors, the gallery says that these oversize works are actually very versatile. “Most of the sculptures may be placed indoors or outdoors, so the possibilities are endless,” said Coy, who noted that three works from the exhibition had been acquired by private collectors and two more by corporate collections. 

See images from “Sculpture of Scale” below.

Installation view “Sculpture of Scale,” 2020. Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery.

Installation view “Sculpture of Scale,” 2020. Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery.

Installation view “Sculpture of Scale,” 2020. Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery.

Installation view “Sculpture of Scale,” 2020. Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery.

“Sculpture of Scale” is on view at Long-Sharp Gallery through January 30, 2021.