Object with Number 1

Joaquín Torres-García

Created:
Movement:
1932
key Notes:
Constructivist abstraction, Symbolic geometry
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Dimensions:
47 × 22.5 × 9.2 cm (18 1/2 × 8 7/8 × 3 5/8 in.)
medium:
Oil and nails on wood
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Object with Number 1" is a work by Joaquín Torres-García, a prominent Uruguayan artist known for his contributions to modern art and his role in the development of Constructivism. The painting exemplifies Torres-García's interest in abstraction and his exploration of geometric forms. Created during a period when he was influenced by European avant-garde movements, the work reflects his desire to integrate local cultural elements with modernist principles. Torres-García often employed a grid structure in his compositions, which can be seen in this piece, emphasizing order and harmony. The use of numbers in the title suggests a systematic approach to his artistic practice, aligning with his belief in the importance of structure in art. The exact date of creation remains unspecified, but it is indicative of his mature style developed in the early to mid-20th century. Torres-García's work has been influential in Latin American art, and "Object with Number 1" is a significant example of his innovative approach to form and meaning.

Description of the work:

"Object with Number 1" by Joaquín Torres-García is an assemblage that integrates oil paint and nails on a wooden substrate. The composition features a geometric arrangement characterized by a series of linear forms and shapes, reflecting Torres-García's interest in constructivism and abstraction. The use of nails introduces a tactile quality, creating a three-dimensional aspect that engages with the viewer's perception of depth. The color palette is restrained, employing earthy tones that evoke a sense of organic materiality. The work exemplifies Torres-García's exploration of the relationship between art and structure, emphasizing the interplay of positive and negative space. The incorporation of numbers within the composition suggests a systematic approach, aligning with his philosophical inquiries into order and chaos in artistic expression. Overall, the piece embodies the artist's commitment to merging visual aesthetics with intellectual rigor.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Object with Number 1