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Relief Construction
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? Anthony Hill. All rights reserved, DACS 2009

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Relief Construction 1957 / 1970
In 1956 Hill began making constructed reliefs which are a direct development of his monochromatic paintings of the previous three years. As in his paintings, Hill?s reliefs explore the juxtaposition of different surfaces. Here he has combined aluminium, wood and plastic to create an asymmetrical yet balanced composition in which the projecting elements cast shadows on to the flat, perpendicular planes. This work also includes the L-shaped aluminium angle, which became an important component in many of the artist?s reliefs. This idea of incorporating readymade objects and surfaces (he used the materials in their original state) relates to his continuing interest in the parallels between Dada and Constructivism.

Glossary Open

Composition

The arrangement of different elements in a work of art.

Constructivism

A geometric, abstract style founded in the early twentieth century in Russia by Vladimir Tatlin. The movement reflected the machine age through its use of new technology and materials and applied its theories to architecture and design as well as fine art. Exiled artists such as Naum Gabo helped to spread the Constructivist ideas. `Constructionist? and `constructed abstract art? are also terms used to describe work relating to these ideas.

Dada

A radical artistic and literary movement that was a reaction against the cultural climate that supported the First World War. The Dadaists took an anti-establishment attitude, questioning art's status and favouring performance and collage over traditional art techniques. Many Dadaists went on to become involved with Surrealism.

Monochrome

An image made with a single colour.

Readymade

A term coined by Marcel Duchamp to describe an existing object that is taken from its original context and regarded as a work of art.

Relief

A form of sculpture where the image or design projects from a flat surface types of which include, bas-relief or low relief.

Composition, Constructivism, Dada, Monochrome, Readymade, Relief

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 5057
  • Medium Copper, aluminium, plastic and Perspex
  • Size 38.20 x 38.20 cm
  • Credit Bequeathed by Mr Ken Powell 2006 [received 2008]

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