Romanian-born Paul Neagu called his sculptures of this time ‘palpable’ and ‘tactile’ objects. On the base of this work is a handwritten note: ‘Palpable and tactile homage to Duchamp.’ Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968) was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, inventing the concept of the readymade in art. Neagu’s square ‘platform’ uses fabric, leather, paint, printed matchboxes and matches to create a textured surface that invites touch. Inside each matchbox is a blue silhouette of a human figure. After his move to the UK in 1970, Neagu became an influential teacher in various art schools. His students at the Royal College of Art, London, included the artists Anish Kapoor and Rachel Whiteread.