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Anthony Caro Quotes

Powerful Anthony Caro for Daily Growth

About Anthony Caro

Anthony Caro (1924-2013), a prominent British sculptor, was born on March 15, 1924, in London. His journey in art began at the Camberwell School of Art where he studied from 1941 to 1946. After serving in the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II, Caro returned to his studies, later transferring to the Royal College of Art (RCA) where he graduated in 1950. Influenced by modernist artists like Henry Moore and Jacques Lipchitz, as well as abstract painters such as Piet Mondrian and Kasimir Malevich, Caro's work evolved from figurative to abstract sculptures that broke free from the traditional pedestal. His early works were made of wood, but he soon turned to metal, pioneering the use of industrial materials in sculpture. In 1960, Caro had his first solo exhibition at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London. This show marked a turning point in modern sculpture, as Caro's works were displayed on the floor rather than on pedestals, inviting viewers to interact with them. This approach was revolutionary and challenged traditional notions of art presentation. Throughout his career, Caro produced numerous significant works, including "Three Red Sculptures" (1963), "Large White Relief" (1965), and "Eighteen Plates" (1981). His work was exhibited worldwide, and he received various accolades, such as the Praemium Imperiale Award in 2001. Anthony Caro passed away on October 30, 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence contemporary sculptors. His innovative approach to sculpture, challenging traditional norms and embracing industrial materials, has positioned him as one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Sculpture is not about making a statement, it's about creating a situation."

Anthony Caro suggests that sculpture is less about expressing a particular message or idea (making a statement), but more about designing an environment or situation that invites viewers to interact and engage with the piece in their own unique ways. This perspective emphasizes the experiential and immersive aspects of sculpture, encouraging dialogue between art, viewer, and space.

"I think sculpture should be open and changing. It should have a sense of life to it."

This quote by Anthony Caro emphasizes his belief that sculptures should not only be static objects but rather living, evolving forms. He wants sculptures to be engaging, interactive, and able to inspire different feelings or interpretations in viewers depending on their perspective and emotional state. This idea reflects a dynamic approach to art-making where the viewer's active participation is essential in shaping their experience with the piece.

"Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of hunger."

This quote by Anthony Caro suggests that art has an intense, invigorating impact on individuals, stirring within them a unique form of craving or desire. It implies that when one encounters great art, it provokes emotions and stimuli that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly moving, inspiring, and thought-provoking. In essence, good art can captivate us and ignite within us a hunger for more – a thirst for understanding, exploration, and connection that goes beyond the mere physical need for sustenance.

"In a painting you can change the scale, but in sculpture you cannot."

In Anthony Caro's statement, he highlights one of the fundamental distinctions between painting and sculpture. Since paintings are flat, artists have the freedom to manipulate scales and perspectives at will by altering the size or position of elements within their composition. However, when it comes to sculpture, the physical reality demands that dimensions remain constant, as the artwork is three-dimensional and exists in real space. This constraint can challenge sculptors but also forces them to think creatively about balance, proportion, and the impact of scale on the viewer's experience.

"I try to make work which is open and which gives people a chance to bring their own experience to it."

The quote by Anthony Caro emphasizes his intent to create art that encourages viewers' active participation, rather than imposing a singular interpretation on them. By making open-ended works, he allows individuals to engage with the art using their unique perspectives and personal experiences, thereby fostering a more meaningful and personal connection between the viewer and the artwork.

So, in other words, how you respond to a sculpture, how a viewer sees the sculpture, is vital.

- Anthony Caro

How, Other, Viewer, Vital

Early One Morning takes time and, I mean, all things like that I felt were very important.

- Anthony Caro

Like, Very, Felt, All Things

But I don't think that sculpture belongs in everyday life like a table does, or like a chair.

- Anthony Caro

Think, Like, Belongs, Everyday

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