Point X 1965

Phillip King’s sculpture Point X is an explosion of geometric shapes and colours, like a game of Jenga about to topple. I can imagine King puzzling over this one for days, moving shapes around, like a 3D collage. The juxtaposition of flat and round creates dynamic tension. It looks almost weightless despite its size, yet it's so grounded, and rooted to the spot by those weighty circles. I wonder if he’s thinking about the formal language of geometry itself and the possibilities of balance and precariousness. The colour palette is earthy and warm, yet the yellow accents keep it energetic and modern. The way the colours emphasize the geometry gives the whole thing a graphic punch. King’s work reminds me of other sculptors such as Anthony Caro, who was known for his abstract steel sculptures. All of these artists engage in a fascinating dialogue, pushing the boundaries of sculpture and its ability to communicate both form and feeling.