Walter Leblanc

Torsions, CO 459

1974

© Estate of Walter Leblanc

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In Tate Modern

In the Studio: A View from Zagreb: Op and Kinetic Art

Free entry

Artist: Walter Leblanc 1932–1986
Medium: Canvas and latex paint
Dimensions: Object: 1790 x 1200 x 10 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by The Walter and Nicole Leblanc Foundation 2017
Reference: T14981

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Leblanc claimed that ‘giving a third dimension to the surface was a constant concern’. In 1959, he began using torsion, twisting materials to catch and reflect light. His artworks challenge the limitations of two-dimensional painting by creating a sense of movement. In the 1960s, Leblanc exhibited with Zero, a group of international artists who made black and white works free from individual expression. Later, Leblanc started creating optical effects using colour. Torsions, CO 459 is made up of two canvases painted white on one side and black on the other. Leblanc slashed each canvas vertically before twisting these strips of canvas to reveal glimpses of a purple backing board.

Gallery label, August 2018

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