Artist: Jesus Rafael Soto
Title: Spiral (from the Sotomagie series)
Medium: Screenprint on Plexiglas with Chromed Aluminum Metal Bars
Edition: Edition 49/100
Size: 13.375" × 13.375" x 7.5"
Year: 1967
Inscription: Signed by the artist on the verso; includes Denise Rene gallery sticker
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Spiral is a kinetic sculpture by Venezuelan artist Jesus Rafael Soto, created in 1967 as part of his Sotomagie series. This work is number 49 from an edition of 100, produced by Editions Denise Rene and printed by Atelier Arcay in Paris. It is constructed using screenprinted Plexiglas mounted within a shadow box frame, with chromed aluminum metal bars affixed to the front, creating a dynamic interplay between static and moving elements. The piece is signed by the artist on the verso and bears the gallery's original sticker. A gallery certificate of authenticity accompanies the artwork.
As a pioneer of kinetic and Op Art, Soto's Spiral exemplifies his exploration of perception and movement. The work's optical effects engage the viewer, creating a sense of motion and depth through its layered materials and design. This piece is part of the Sotomagie series, a portfolio of eleven screenprints that investigate the interaction between static images and kinetic perception. The series is represented in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Soto's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including retrospectives at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which presented a comprehensive survey of his contributions to kinetic art. His innovative approach continues to influence contemporary artists and is celebrated for its integration of art and viewer interaction.
Jesus Rafael Soto - Early Life and Education
Jesus Rafael Soto was born in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, in 1923. He began his artistic career at a young age, working as a painter of movie signs in his hometown. In 1942, Soto received a scholarship to study at the Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Aplicadas in Caracas, where he developed a deep interest in geometric abstraction. Influenced by artists such as Georges Braque, Soto's exposure to Cubism and Constructivism shaped his evolving artistic vision. During this period, he formed lasting relationships with fellow artists Carlos Cruz-Diez and Alejandro Otero, who would become prominent figures in the Latin American avant-garde movement.
Artistic Development and Influences
After completing his studies, Soto served as the director of the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Maracaibo from 1947 to 1950. In 1950, he moved to Paris, where he immersed himself in the European avant-garde scene. In Paris, Soto encountered the works of Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian, which inspired him to explore the concept of "dynamizing neoplasticism". This exploration led to his association with artists such as Yaacov Agam, Jean Tinguely, and Victor Vasarely, and his participation in the Salon des Realites Nouvelles and the Galerie Denise Rene. These interactions were pivotal in his development of kinetic art.
Major Works and Artistic Contributions
Soto is renowned for his Penetrables, immersive environments consisting of suspended elements that viewers can physically navigate. These works invite audience interaction, transforming the viewer from a passive observer to an active participant. His Vibration series and the Sotomagie portfolio further exemplify his exploration of optical and kinetic phenomena. Soto's art is characterized by its focus on light, movement, and the interplay between perception and reality. He sought to transcend traditional boundaries between painting and sculpture, creating dynamic works that engage the viewer's senses and perception.
Exhibitions and Museum Collections
Soto's work has been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions worldwide. Notably, he participated in the 1955 exhibition Le Mouvement at Galerie Denise René in Paris, which played a significant role in the emergence of kinetic art. His solo exhibitions include retrospectives at the Musee National d’Art Moderne in Paris (1979) and the Guggenheim Museum in New York (1974). Soto's works are held in the permanent collections of major institutions such as The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Tate Modern in London, Centre Pompidou in Paris, and Museum Ludwig in Germany.
Legacy and Influence
Jesus Rafael Soto is considered one of the most important Latin American artists of the 20th century. His innovative approach to kinetic art has influenced generations of artists and continues to inspire contemporary practices. Soto's exploration of perception, movement, and viewer interaction has left an indelible mark on the art world, solidifying his position as a central figure in the development of modern art.
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