Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist artwork made entirely with cards of different thickness and color, cut and layered manually 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: Stacked hand-cut colored cards and layered

Dimensions: about 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of thick profile

Description:

This work, created with stacked cards, masterfully uses real light as a fundamental constituent, transforming a two-dimensional appearance into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of layered paper stacked creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring protrudes slightly more than the one beneath it, forming 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 position of the observer.
Result: the work “breathes” and changes constantly, 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 sensation of a vortex or a concentric expansion.
In diffuse lighting conditions (typical of a gallery or a contemporary home) the piece appears softer and painterly. Under directional lighting (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 simply “represent” light but uses it as a primary material.

The true material 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 card stock) 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 spans 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.