Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist sculpture made entirely with cardboard of varying thickness and color, cut and layered by hand to create a suggestive three-dimensional effect.
The work is mounted on a rigid support and protected by a natural wood frame.

Title: circLe

Technique: Overlapped hand-cut cardboard layers and layered construction

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood, thick

Description:

This work, created with overlapped cardboard layers, masterfully exploits real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming a two-dimensional appearance into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of layered paper creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring slightly protrudes over the one beneath it, forming small “steps” that intercept the light.
Light coming from above or from the side produces clear and graduated shadows on the inner edges of each circle.
These shadows are not static: they vary in intensity and length depending on the angle of the light source and the observer’s position.
Result: the work “breathes” and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic artwork without mechanical parts.

Thanks to light, a strong optical retreat effect toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, reinforcing the sensation of a vortex or concentric expansion.
In diffuse lighting conditions (typical of a gallery or a modern home) the work appears softer and more painterly. Under directional light (e.g., angled spotlights) it becomes dramatic and almost architectural.

This is a site-responsive work: its appearance changes radically based on:
- Light intensity
- Angle of incidence
- Color temperature of the light (warm light enhances orange/yellow tones; cool light makes shadows more pronounced)
- Time of day (if placed near a window)

The artist does not simply “represent” light, but uses it as primary material.

The true matter of the work is not just colored paper, but the pair paper + light. With the right light it becomes a hypnotic, almost living object. It is an excellent example of how contemporary art can use humble materials (simple cardboard) to create sophisticated perceptual experiences tied to light and space.

Technique:
Each ring was made with artisanal precision, with clean edges and calibrated overlaps to achieve maximum volumetric effect. The work is mounted on a rigid support and protected by a natural wood frame.

Max Modolo creates these works in his studio in Italy.
His research in applied arts spans from ceramics to wood, resins to plastic materials, painting to modern expressive 3D techniques. He is passionate about the work of Gerrit Rietveld, Memphis Group, Mangiarotti, Sottsass, Mendini, Cibic, Bitossi, De Lucchi, Friberg, Zanuso, Fornasetti, Rörstrand, Gio Ponti, Campi, Fontana and about pop art, geometric art, Scandinavian design, optical art, contemporary sculpture, minimalism, modern art, De Stijl, Pop Art.