Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist artwork made entirely with cardboard 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: Hand-cut and layered overlapped cardboard

Dimensions: approximately 50 × 50 cm (frame inclusive)

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This work, made with overlapped cardboard pieces, masterfully uses real light as a fundamental constitutive element, transforming a supposedly two-dimensional piece into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of layered paper creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring protrudes slightly more than the one beneath it, creating 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 observer’s position. Result: the artwork “breathes” and changes constantly, almost like a kinetic work without mechanical parts.

Thanks to the light, a strong optical receding effect toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the viewer’s gaze inward, reinforcing the sense of vortex or concentric expansion. In diffuse light (typical of a gallery or modern home) the piece appears softer and more painterly. Under directional light (e.g., adjustable spotlights) it becomes dramatic and almost architectural.

This is a site-responsive artwork: its appearance changes radically based on:
- Light intensity
- Angle of incidence
- Color temperature of the light (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 simply “represent” light, but uses it as a primary material.

The true material of the work is not only colored paper but the pairing 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 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, from resins to plastic materials, from 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 of Pop Art, geometric art, Scandinavian design, optical art, contemporary sculpture, minimalism, modern art, De Stijl, Pop Art.