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 piece is mounted on a rigid support and protected by a natural wood frame.

Title: circLe

Technique: Hand-cut and layered overlapping cardboard

Dimensions: about 50 × 50 cm (frame included)

Frame: Natural light wood of high thickness

Description:

This work, created with layered cardboard, masterfully exploits 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 over the one beneath it, creating small “steps” that intercept the light. Light coming from above or from the side produces sharp, 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 viewer’s position. Result: the artwork “breathes” and constantly changes, almost like a kinetic artwork without mechanical parts.

Thanks to light, a strong optical retreat toward the center is created. The progressive shadows push the gaze inward, reinforcing the sensation of a vortex or concentric expansion. In diffuse lighting (typical of a gallery or a modern home) the piece appears softer and more painterly. Under directional lighting (e.g., inclined 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 makes shadows more pronounced)
- 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 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 linked to light and space.

Technique:
Each ring was crafted 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 the field of applied arts ranges from ceramics to wood, from resins to plastic materials, from 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.