Max Modolo - circLe

More information at www.maxmodolo.com

Kinetic and minimalist artwork made entirely from cardstock of varying thicknesses and colors, cut and layered by hand to create a striking three-dimensional effect.
The artwork is mounted on a rigid backing and protected by a natural wood frame.

Title: circLe

Technique: Hand-cut and layered cardstock

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

Frame: Thick, light natural wood

Description:

This artwork, made from layered cardstock, masterfully uses real light as a fundamental element, transforming what appears to be a two-dimensional work into a perceptual kinetic sculpture.

The technique of layering paper creates a true bas-relief sculpture. Each ring projects slightly beyond the one beneath it, creating small “steps” that catch the light.
Light coming from above or from the side creates sharp, graduated shadows along the inner edges of each circle.
These shadows are not static: their intensity and length vary depending on the angle of the light source and the viewer’s position.
The result: the artwork “breathes” and changes constantly, almost like a kinetic work without mechanical parts.


Thanks to the light, a strong optical recession toward the center is created. The progressive shadows draw the eye inward, reinforcing the sense of a vortex or concentric expansion.
In diffuse light (typical of a gallery or a modern home), the artwork appears softer and more painterly. Under directional light (e.g., angled spotlights), it becomes dramatic and almost architectural.

This is a site-responsive artwork: its appearance changes radically depending on:
Light intensity
Angle of incidence
Color temperature of the light (warm light enhances the orange/yellow tones; cool light brings out the shadow contrasts more)
Time of day (if positioned near a window)


The artist does not simply “represent” light, but uses it as a primary material.

The true material of the artwork is not just 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 cardstock) to create sophisticated perceptual experiences connected to light and space.


Technique:
Each ring was crafted with artisanal precision, with clean edges and carefully calibrated layering to achieve the greatest possible sense of volume. The artwork is mounted on a rigid backing and protected by a natural wood frame.

Max Modolo makes these artworks in his studio in Italy.
His work in the field of applied arts ranges from ceramics to wood, from resins to plastic materials, and from painting to modern 3D techniques of expression.
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