What a Relief

What a Relief: small relief sculptures is a juried exhibition of relief sculptures organized by The Phillips Collection and Washington Sculptors Group (WSG), and presented at Phillips@THEARC. 

The artists-members of WSG were invited to submit works that engage and expand upon the tradition of relief sculpture in contemporary terms.

This exhibition is now on view online. In-person viewing will begin on February 11; please check back for ticket information.

Phillips@THEARC is located at THEARC West, 1801 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020.

The word relief comes from the Latin verb relivare, to raise, implying that the sculpted material has been raised above its supporting background. From ancient Egyptian tombs to Greek and Roman temples to modern sculptural expressions, reliefs have been used around the world. Whether executed in low or high relief, telling a story or created for decorative purposes, the technique presents unique challenges as it combines two- and three-dimensional forms. The 40 selected works—by artists ranging in age from 15 to 81 and all from the greater DC region—reimagine and enliven the centuries-long art practice through various conceptual and aesthetic approaches.