Circular Relief 1925

Naum Gabo made this Circular Relief with industrial plastics, a radical move away from traditional sculpture materials like bronze or marble. Notice how the transparency of the plastic influences the appearance, creating layers of shadows and reflections. Gabo assembled these with meticulous care, manipulating the plastic to create smooth curves and sharp angles. He was engaging with the aesthetics of modern industrial design, where new materials and technologies offered exciting possibilities. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a statement. Gabo was interested in bringing art closer to the everyday, using materials that were accessible and mass-produced. He challenged the traditional hierarchy that placed sculpture on a pedestal, suggesting that art could be integrated into the fabric of modern life. It’s important to recognize how, by embracing industrial materials and processes, Gabo dissolved the boundaries between art, design, and the social context of production.