Radical Geometry, Royal Academy

Abstract Constructivism from Latin America makes a London debut in Radical Geometry (Royal Academy)

Held in the Sackler wing, Radical Geometry: Modern Art of South America is sure to be one of the Royal Academy's summer highlights. This exhibition documents development of the Abstract Conctructivism movement in South America from the 1930’s to the 1970’s.  It is a collaboration between the Royal Academy and the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Collection, showcasing eighty art works, of which many have never entered the UK before. 

Part one…

The show begins with art from the Río de la Plata (River of Silver) region between Argentina and Uruguay and their capitals Buenos Aires and Montevideo.Expect works by Uruguayan artist Joaquín Torres García ( 1874-1949) and his group of followers who formed The School of the South . Having left Uruguay at 17 to study in Spain, Garcia returned to Montevideo only in his latter years. His travels in Europe, along with collaborations with artists such as Piet Mondrian , helped him to form his own radical and progressive ideas that married Western abstract constructivism with indigenous American influences.

Part two…

The second part of the exhibition focuses on the progressive painting and sculpture from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo during the 1950s and 60’s. Geraldo de Barros’ and Hélio Oiticica’s playful monotone geometric compositions, will be displayed alongside Lygia Clarke’s aluminium sculpture Machine - Medium (1962) from her noted Bichos (‘creatures/bugs’) series.

Part three.. 

The exhibition concludes in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. Works on display by Jesús Soto and Carlos Cruz- Diez display a kinetic approach. Soto’s stunning colourful work Physiochromie No.5 (1970) acts as a light trap using a series of colour frames to create a work that changes colour with the movement of the visitor. Space-defining sculptures ‘by Gego (Gertrude Goldsmith) display both fragility and strength. Intricately constructed from metal rods, they reference her original training as an architect. 

The geographical and cultural differences of  20th century South America caused abstract art to evolve discretely, producing a distinct and vibrant style. For a chance to see many previously unseen works and to understand this translation across continents, this exhibition is a must see.