Focus On: Gego
Miami— June 5, 2023 — Gego (German-born Venezuelan, 1912-1994), born Gertrud Goldschmidt, was a Venezuelan artist who made significant contributions to the field of kinetic and geometric art in addition to creating “some of the most radically beautiful sculpture of the second half of the 20th century,” a highlight from Holland Cotter in the New York Times. Her artistic relevance lies in her ability to transcend boundaries and create visually stunning and dynamic pieces that challenged traditional notions of sculpture and the viewer’s perception of space, form, and movement.
Gego’s interests extended beyond the realm of art. Her background in architecture greatly influenced her artistic practice, as she approached her work with meticulous detail and a keen sense of structural composition. Her interest in exploring the relationship between geometry, light, and materials led to new possibilities with materials like wire, metal, and paper. This interdisciplinary approach informed her artistic process, allowing her to experiment with geometric patterns, interwoven lines, and the manipulation of light and shadow.
Among Gego’s best-known series is her groundbreaking “Dibujos sin Papel,” translated as “Drawings Without Paper.” This series exemplifies Gego’s ability to challenge traditional notions of drawing, transforming them into three-dimensional sculptures. By utilizing materials such as wire, nylon threads, and other delicate mediums, Gego created intricate and ethereal structures suspended in space. The “Dibujo sin Papel” series explores the relationship between line, space, and materiality, blurring the boundaries between drawing, sculpture, and installation. Furthermore, Gego transforms flat, linear forms into dynamic and visually captivating compositions that engage the viewer in a unique and immersive experience.
Gego’s work is in the collections of, among others, The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas; Museo de Bellas Artes, Caracas; New York Public Library, New York; and Tate Modern, London, and continues to inspire and fascinate contemporary audiences. In recognition of her artistic contributions, the Guggenheim Museum is currently holding a retrospective dedicated to Gego’s work, “Gego: Measuring Infinity,” on view until September 12, 2023. The exhibition showcases her intricate wire sculptures, drawings, and installations, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of her artistic evolution and achievements. The show has captivated audiences and solidified her place as a key figure of 20th-century art.
To inquire about available works by Gego, please contact us at director@tresart.com.
Photos: “Dibujos sin Papel” (“Drawings Without Paper”) Installation view of “Gego: Measuring Infinity” at Guggenheim Museum. Photo courtesy of Karsten Moran and The New York Times.
