Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist work made entirely with sheets of cardboard of different thicknesses and colors, cut and stacked 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: Hand-cut and layered overlapped cardboard sheets

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This work, made with stacked cardboard sheets, masterfully exploits real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming a two-dimensional appearance into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.
The technique of layered sheets creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring slightly protrudes from the one beneath it, creating small “steps” that intercept the light.
Light coming from above or from the side produces sharp 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 continually changes, almost like a kinetic artwork without mechanical parts.

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

This is a site-responsive work: its appearance changes radically based on:
- Light intensity
- Angle of incidence
- Light color temperature (warm light enhances orange/yellow tones; cold light brings out more shadow contrasts)
- Time of day (if placed near a window)

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

The true material of the work is not only colored paper but the duo of 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 crafted 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 produces these works in his studio in Italy.
His research in applied arts spans ceramics, wood, resins and plastic materials, painting, and 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.