“Linear Construction No. 1” is a sculpture created by Naum Gabo in 1943, made from plastic and is part of the Kinetic Art movement. This captivating piece is currently located at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork showcases Gabo’s mastery in creating dynamic visual effects using minimalist elements. “Linear Construction No. 1” features a geometric design in which fine, taut strings are meticulously arranged between transparent planes. These planes and strings form an intricate and harmonious composition, creating an illusion of movement and depth. The structural lines intersect gracefully, resulting in both visual complexity and simplicity. Gabo’s work here exemplifies Kinetic Art’s essence, emphasizing motion and transformation within static sculptures through optical perception. The use of plastic as the medium adds a modernist touch, highlighting the experimental and innovative spirit of the time.