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Jesús Rafael Soto Art

1923-2005

Venezuelan Op and kinetic painter and sculptor Jesús Rafael Soto (1923–2007) is perhaps best known for his immersive installations, which respond to their environments and physically absorb the viewer in a dynamic sensory experience.

The exploration of space is central to Soto’s work. This is evident in his early paintings, of the 1950s, which create the illusion of movement through simple compositions and a limited palette. During the same period, he integrated industrial materials like nylon and steel into linear constructions that were part painting, part sculpture.

But Rafael Soto’s grandest and most enigmatic creations are his “Pénétrables.” Made up of thousands of long clear or colored plastic strands suspended from the ceiling or from free-standing steel or PVC frames, these geometric sculptures play with the perception of space, inviting viewers to act as participants by moving within and through them.

The strips of some of the installations were partly painted, forming shapes when seen from a distance. The Houston Penetrable (2014), at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for instance, appears to hold a floating yellow ellipse.

Rafael Soto created 25 “Pénétrables” over the course of his career. Each further blurred the line between reality and illusion and established viewers as not just spectators but as integral parts of the artwork itself.

Shop Jesús Rafael Soto's art now at 1stDibs.

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Artist: Jesús Rafael Soto
Dealer: Wolfryd Collection
Untitled (Black and Silver)
By Jesús Rafael Soto
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
Untitled Signed Serigraphy 110 / 200 Stamp from Denise René Editeur, Paris France.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Op Art Jesús Rafael Soto Art

Materials

Screen

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Jesús Rafael Soto art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jesús Rafael Soto art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of purple and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jesús Rafael Soto in screen print, metal, plastic and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Jesús Rafael Soto art, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Leon Polk Smith, Nicholas Krushenick, and Robyn Denny. Jesús Rafael Soto art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,997 and tops out at $70,000, while the average work can sell for $4,000.

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