Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist work made entirely with cardboard of different thicknesses and colors, 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 stacking

Dimensions: approximately 50 x 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This piece, created with stacked cardboard, masterfully uses real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming an apparently two-dimensional work into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of overlapped paper layers generates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring protrudes slightly over the one beneath it, creating small “steps” that intercept the light.
Light coming from above or from the side produces clear 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 retraction toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, strengthening the feeling of a vortex or concentric expansion.
In diffuse light conditions (typical of a gallery or a modern home) the work appears softer and 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
- Incidence angle
- Color temperature of the light (warm light enhances orange/yellow tones; cool light emphasizes shadow contrasts)
- 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 colored paper, but the binary of paper + light. With the right light it becomes an 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 made with artisanal precision, with clean edges and calibrated overlaps to achieve the 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 ranges 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