Gilberto Zorio

Terracotta Circle

1969

Not on display

Artist: Gilberto Zorio born 1944
Medium: Terracotta, lead, glass and aluminium
Dimensions: Displayed: 1850 x 1800 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased with funds provided by an anonymous donor 2009
Reference: T12951

Display caption

Terracotta Circle looks back to classical ideas about human proportion. The diameter is based on the artist’s arm-span and the circle was moulded as he moved around at floor level. The work also marks out the height of the body, as a glass platform with a thin layer of lead hangs at head height. Many of Zorio’s early sculptures explored energy and change: crystals grew up metallic structures, substances altered colour when damp, live electric elements draped from the wall, and painted surfaces fluoresced under ultra-violet lights.

Gallery label, July 2011

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