Lygia Clark
Bicho (Unique), 1960
Aluminium
21 x 18 x 20 cm, 8 1/4 x 7 1/8 x 7 7/8 in
Installation dimensions variable
Installation dimensions variable
© Associação Cultural O Mundo de Lygia Clark
Further images
This is the last remaining Bicho from The Estate of Lygia Clark and one of the few Bichos - referred to as maquettes - which Lygia made herself in the...
This is the last remaining Bicho from The Estate of Lygia Clark and one of the few Bichos - referred to as maquettes - which Lygia made herself in the studio, each one is unique. Other Bichos were fabricated in editions in different scales.
The 'Bicho' series, initiated in 1959, marks a crucial phase in Lygia Clark’s practice when she furthered her investigation of form transitioning from the pictorial plane into three-dimensional space. The word 'Bicho' – Portuguese for ‘critters' or small animated creatures – aptly describes these hinged metal sculptures that are designed to come to life through viewer interaction. As a result, the work's dimensions vary, with multiple possible configurations depending on how the viewer manipulates the work and which arrangement it rests in.
Clark’s process began with balsa wood studies before she personally made a 'Bicho' maquette in metal in her studio, one for each type in the series she made. This is an original unique Bicho which Clark made herself in the studio. Different scale versions were sent to be fabricated following her precise instructions and issued as intended Editions of 5 + 1 Artist Proof. Thus, the maquettes stand apart as one-of-a-kind, tangible manifestations of her vision and the only Bichos made by the artist's own hand in her studio.
This is the last remaining Bicho from The Estate of Lygia Clark and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Clark Association / Foundation in Rio.
The 'Bicho' series, initiated in 1959, marks a crucial phase in Lygia Clark’s practice when she furthered her investigation of form transitioning from the pictorial plane into three-dimensional space. The word 'Bicho' – Portuguese for ‘critters' or small animated creatures – aptly describes these hinged metal sculptures that are designed to come to life through viewer interaction. As a result, the work's dimensions vary, with multiple possible configurations depending on how the viewer manipulates the work and which arrangement it rests in.
Clark’s process began with balsa wood studies before she personally made a 'Bicho' maquette in metal in her studio, one for each type in the series she made. This is an original unique Bicho which Clark made herself in the studio. Different scale versions were sent to be fabricated following her precise instructions and issued as intended Editions of 5 + 1 Artist Proof. Thus, the maquettes stand apart as one-of-a-kind, tangible manifestations of her vision and the only Bichos made by the artist's own hand in her studio.
This is the last remaining Bicho from The Estate of Lygia Clark and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Clark Association / Foundation in Rio.
Provenance
The ArtistEstate of Lygia Clark