Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist work made entirely with cardboard sheets 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 overlapped cardboard sheets

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of thick dimension

Description:

This work, realized with layered cardboard, masterfully utilizes real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming a superficially two-dimensional piece into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of overlapping paper layers generates a true 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 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 piece “breathes” and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic work without mechanical parts.

Thanks to the light, a strong optical retreat effect toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, enhancing the sensation of a vortex or concentric expansion.
In diffuse lighting conditions (typical of a gallery or a modern home) the piece 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
- Light color temperature (warm light enhances orange/yellow tones; cool light brings out more 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 tied to light and space.

Technique:
Each ring was crafted with artisanal precision, with clean edges and calibrated overlaps 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 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.