Gilberto Zorio

Terracotta Circle

1969

© Gilberto Zorio

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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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