Untitled 1967

This ‘Untitled’ work, by Rodolfo Arico, uses I think, paint, and maybe some collage, to create a 3D effect. There’s this smooth, green surface with a central form that appears to arch forward, casting subtle shadows. The colour is so consistent, like a field of green, but then Arico messes with our perception with the form itself. I’m wondering about that arched shape. I’m thinking, what is it about the curve that fascinates us so much? Is it a doorway, a passage? In this artwork, there’s a tension between the flat, painted surface and the illusion of depth. The paint application seems almost industrial, yet the overall effect is deeply contemplative. It’s like he’s saying, “Here’s this flat thing, but look, it can also be something else.” This makes me think of Lucio Fontana, who also played with surface and depth, puncturing canvases to open up new spaces.