Sir Anthony Caro, Early One Morning 1962 (detail). 26 January - 17 April 2005. ADMISSION FREE
Anthony Caro

About Events & Education Shop Visiting Information
Room Guide Millbank Steps Career Chronology

1 1950s 2 1960-61 3 1961-63 4 1965-67
5 1966-69 6 1969-70 7 1971-77 8 1973-97
9 1986-91 10 1995-99 11 1987-90 12 2004

 

ROOM GUIDE

This online exhibition guide is divided into twelve different sections that are arranged chronologically:

Room 12 Room 11 Room 10 Room 1 Room 2 Shop Introduction Room 3 Room 5 Room 8 Room 7 Room 4 Room 6 Room 9


Introduction

Anthony Caro in his Camden studio
Anthony Caro in his Camden studio, 1989
Photographed by John Riddy.
© The artist, Barford Sculptures Ltd.
 
The abstract constructions in painted steel that Caro began to make in 1960 heralded a revolution in the way sculpture was made and understood. Instead of recognisable imagery, Caro's sculpture referred to nothing outside itself. He abandoned conventional methods such as carving in stone or wood, or modelling in clay and then casting in plaster or bronze. In their place, he used pieces of scrap steel - girders and sheet metal - which he bolted and welded together, and then painted in bright colours.

In a striking departure from tradition, he rejected the creation of solid form for an engagement with space and the open arrangement of shapes. Breaking with the principle of displaying sculpture on a pedestal, he situated his art in the real world. No longer confined on a plinth, as if occupying an imaginary space, Caro's work stood directly on the ground. These developments overturned ideas about the subject, materials and appearance of sculpture. The effects of that revolution continue to resonate.