Lygia Pape (1927-2004)

Acquired from the artist 
Galeria Camargo Vilaça, São Paulo
Fundación NOA-NOA Collection, Caracas
Private Collection, New York

Rio de Janeiro, Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, I Exposição Neoconcreta, 1959 
Rio de Janeiro, Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, II Exposição Neoconcreta, 1960 

This work is in good condition, taking its age into account. A fine diagonal line of craquelure measuring one inch in length is present on the extreme upper edge of the reverse. On the blue interior edge of the wooden element furthest to the proper left of the work, two fine vertical lines of craquelure are present, each measuring four inches in length. The media layer is stable and the colors are vibrant.
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A pioneer of the Neo-Concrete movement, Lygia Pape is widely recognized as a primary member of the Brazilian avant-garde. Experimental and intuitive in nature, her work softened traditional barriers between high and low art therefore dissipating accepted notions that paired intellect against emotion. The collective space, its performative and inclusive character, the engagement of the viewer through movement and introspection, are defining qualities of her mature and highly sought-after production. 

The present sculpture, an outstanding example of this series, was included in the I and II Exposição Neoconcreta in Rio de Janeiro in 1959 and 1960 respectively. The artist's commitment to the production of artwork capable of transforming the viewer from passive spectator to participatory agent is hereby attained by a free standing three-dimensional and minimally delineated object. By redirecting the viewer's gaze between positive and negative space, Untitled (Escultura) questions the value of rational models to express the subjective dimension of all objects.