Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist artwork made entirely with cards of different thicknesses and colors, cut and overlapped 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 cut cards, hand-cut and stacked

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

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This work, created with overlapped cards, masterfully uses real light as a fundamental constructive element, transforming a seemingly two-dimensional work into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of stacked paper layers generates a real bas-relief sculpture. Each ring slightly protrudes above the one beneath it, creating small "steps" that intercept the light.
Light coming from above or from the side produces sharp and graduated shadows along 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 viewer’s position.
Result: the work "breathes" and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic artwork 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 sensation of a vortex or concentric expansion.
Under diffuse light (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 shadow contrasts 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 material of the work is not only the 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 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 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