Constellation with 5 White Forms & 2 Black 1932

Jean Arp’s ‘Constellation with 5 White Forms & 2 Black’ is a relief sculpture, likely made from painted wood. Arp was interested in the interplay between biomorphic forms and their arrangement in space. The smoothness of the shapes, rendered in a stark palette, brings a sense of serene abstraction. They are cut out and arranged, carefully positioned to interact with the surrounding space. There is a strong connection to the hand in the making of this piece: the carving and sanding of the wood, the application of paint, and the arrangement of the forms all speak to the artist’s direct engagement with his materials. Arp deliberately blurred the lines between different artistic disciplines, such as painting and sculpture. His approach was deeply rooted in craft traditions, but he elevated these practices to the realm of fine art, in order to challenge conventional hierarchies. Ultimately, ‘Constellation’ reminds us of the power of simple forms, carefully crafted and thoughtfully arranged, to evoke a sense of harmony and wonder.