Untitled Sculpture 04
From Series "Corte e Dobra"
Brasil, 1990
Steel

Measurements
21 x 0,3 x 45h cm
8,3 x 0,2 x 17,7h in

Provenance
Private Collection, São Paulo

Literature
Amilcar de Castro: Corte E Dobra. Written by Amilcar Augusto Ferreira de Castro Filho (Autor). Published by Takano Editora, 2001

Biography
Amílcar de Castro (June 8, 1920 – November 21, 2002) was a Brazilian sculptor, designer, and graphic artist, renowned for his role in the Neoconcretism movement in the mid-20th century. Born in Paraisópolis, Minas Gerais, de Castro became a key figure in Brazilian modern art, known primarily for his monumental steel sculptures and innovative use of geometric forms.

Amílcar de Castro initially studied law but soon transitioned to art, studying at the Guignard School in Belo Horizonte. His early work focused on graphic design, and he made significant contributions to the modernization of Brazilian typography. Most notably, he was responsible for redesigning the layout of the Jornal do Brasil, one of the country’s most important newspapers in the 1950s.

In the 1960s, de Castro shifted his focus to sculpture, where he developed his signature style of cutting and folding large steel plates, transforming simple materials into striking, abstract forms. His minimalist and geometric approach aligned with the Neoconcrete movement, which rejected the strict rationalism of Concrete Art in favor of a more organic and interactive relationship with space and the viewer.

Throughout his career, de Castro participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, including the Bienal de São Paulo and the Venice Biennale, gaining recognition for his contributions to modern sculpture. He also taught art and mentored young artists, influencing generations of Brazilian creatives.

Amílcar de Castro passed away in Belo Horizonte, leaving behind a legacy as one of Brazil’s most important sculptors, celebrated for his ability to transform industrial materials into profound, contemplative works of art.