Modular constructivism: Difference between revisions

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'''Modular constructivism''' is a style of [[sculpture]] that emerged in the [[1950]]s1950s and [[1960s]] and was associated especially with [[Erwin Hauer]] and [[Norman Carlberg]]. It is based on carefully structured modules which allow for intricate and in some cases infinite patterns of repetition, sometimes used to create limitless, basically planar, screen-like formations, and sometimes employed to make more multidimensional structures. Designing these structures involves intensive study of the combinatorial possibilities of sometimes quite curvilinear and fluidly shaped modules, creating a seemless, quasi-organic unity that can be either rounded and self-enclosed, or open and potentially infinite. The latter designs have proved useful and attractive for use in eye-catching architectural walls and screens, often featuring complex patterns of undulating, tissue-like webbing, with apertures which transmit and filter light, while generating delicate patterns of shadow.

Writing in ''Architecture Week'' ([[August 4]], [[2004]]), Hauer explains that "Continuity and potential infinity have been at the very center of my sculpture from early on." [http://www.architectureweek.com/2004/0804/culture_2-2.html] Hauer made an extensive study of [[biomorphism|biomorphic]] form, especially what he calls "saddle surfaces," which combine convex and concave curvature and thus allow for smooth self-combination, sometimes in multiple dimensions. Another inspiration is the sculpture of [[Henry Moore]], with its fluid curves and porosity.

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==References==

* Galerie Chalette. [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/6027697&referer=brief_results ''Structured sculpture : December 1960-January 1961''] ([[New York]] : The Gallery, [[1960]]) [exhibition catalogue] [[OCLC]] 6027697

* Carlberg, Norman. ''Norman Carlberg : an exhibition of sculpture'' [exhibition catalogue] (Exhibition of sculpture : Norman Carlberg : presented by the Pennsylvania State University College of Arts and Architecture, November 5-November 29, 1966) [[OCLC]] 81988058; [[OCLC]] 82275454 (Worldcat links: [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/81988058?tab=details]; [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/82275454?tab=details]; [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/77954741&referer=brief_results])

* Hauer, Erwin. [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/56436200&referer=brief_results ''Erwin Hauer : Continua - architectural screens and walls by Erwin Hauer''] (New York : Princeton Architectural ; London : Hi Marketing, [[2004]]) ISBN 1-56898-455-3

* Montpelier Cultural Arts Center. [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/49254937&referer=brief_results Sculpture 2000 : the twentieth anniversary of the Montpelier invitational sculpture exhibition, Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, June 8 - August 18, 2000] [exhibition catalogue] (Maryland : Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 2000) [[OCLC]] 49254937

*[[Museum of Modern Art]] ([[New York, N.Y.]]). [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/1097018&referer=brief_results ''Recent sculpture U.S.A. Sponsored by the Junior Council of the Museum of Modern Art''] (New York, [[1959]]) OCLC 1097018

* Philadelphia Museum College of Art; Paul Darrow; Ed Rossbach; Walter Reinsel; Antonio Frasconi; Herb Lubalin; Helen Borten; Henry Mitchell; Erwin Hauer; John Mason; Lenore Tawney. [http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/49120005&referer=brief_results ''Directors' choice : an exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art, Broad and Pine Streets, January 14 through February 7, 1961''] ([[Philadelphia]], Pa. : [Philadelphia Museum College of Art], 1961) [[OCLC]] 49120005

==External links==

*[http://www.erwinhauerstudios.com/pages/intro.html Erwin Hauer Studios homepage, with Hauer bio]

*[http://www.newartsgallery.com/Artist_Ind/erwin/erwin.htm New Arts Gallery information on Erwin Hauer including '''COLOR IMAGES''']