Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

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

Title: circLe

Technique: Hand-cut and layered overlapping cardboard sheets

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This work, created with layered cardboard, masterfully exploits real light as a fundamental constitutive element, turning a two-dimensional-looking piece into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of stacked paper layers creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring protrudes slightly compared to the one beneath, forming small “steps” that intercept the light. The light coming from above or from the side produces clear and graded 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 artwork “breathes” and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic piece without mechanical parts.

Thanks to the light, a strong optical retreat effect toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, reinforcing the sense of a vortex or concentric expansion. In diffuse lighting (typical of a gallery or a modern home) the piece appears softer and more painterly. Under directional lighting (e.g., recessed 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 accentuates shadow contrasts)
- Time of day (if placed near a window)

The artist does not merely “represent” light, but uses it as primary material. The true matter of the work is not only colored paper, but the combination 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 related to light and space.

Technique:
Each ring was crafted with artisanal precision, with clean edges and calibrated overlays to achieve maximum volumetric effect. The piece 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 the field of applied arts ranges from ceramics to wood, from resins to plastic materials, from 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.