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Concrete Building Sketches

A work made of black marker on tracing paper.

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  • A work made of black marker on tracing paper.

Date:

1999

Artist:

Oscar Niemeyer
Brazilian, 1907-2012

About this artwork

Scripted across this sketch, “the concrete suggests the curve, the free and different shape, to win the spaces. Architecture is invention,” reflects Niemeyer’s belief that the material of concrete was best synthesized through curvilinear form. Unlike his modernist contemporaries where right angles and straight lines defined their architecture, the work of Niemeyer embraced the inherent fluid nature of concrete that helped to shape his organic shapes and curvilinear forms. Furthermore, he believed that invention was a primary component of architecture—an opportunity to introduce something new to the public. It was through his unique approach and use of concrete that his new inventions in architecture were formed.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Architecture and Design

Artist

Oscar Niemeyer (Architect)

Title

Concrete Building Sketches

Place

Brazil (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1999

Medium

Black marker on tracing paper

Dimensions

50 × 70 cm (19 11/16 × 27 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Oscar Niemeyer, Fundaçao Oscar Niemeyer

Reference Number

1999.302.1

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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