Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist artwork made entirely with cardboard of different thicknesses and colors, cut and stacked 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: Cardboards layered, cut by hand and stacked

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (including the frame)

Frame: High-thickness light natural wood

Description:

This work, created with layered cardboard cutouts, masterfully leverages real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming a seemingly two-dimensional piece into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of layered paper creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring projects slightly beyond the one beneath it, forming small “steps” that intercept the light. Light coming from above or from the side produces crisp, 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 piece “breathes” and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic work without mechanical parts.

Thanks to the light, a strong optical retreat toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, reinforcing the feeling 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 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 stand out more)
- Time of day (if placed near a window)

The artist does not merely “represent” light, but uses it as a primary material. The true matter 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 linked to light and space.

Technique:
Each ring was made 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, resins to plastic materials, painting to modern 3D expressive 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.