Tin 1959

Karlo Zvirynsky made this relief called ‘Tin’ with pieces of metal, probably in 1959. Can you imagine Zvirynsky in his studio, hammering and shaping the metal? I see vertical and horizontal forms, arranged and joined together, creating a tactile surface that invites you to reach out and touch. Notice the variations in texture and tone; some parts are smooth and reflective, while others are rough and dull. How did he achieve this? Was it through the application of heat or perhaps the use of different tools? The metal is cool, almost aloof. This work reminds me of Kurt Schwitters’s collages, and the way he put bits of trash together in a beautiful way. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places and that artists can transform ordinary materials into something extraordinary. It's like all art is in conversation with one another, each one adding new layers of meaning and interpretation.