Anthony Caro

Anthony Caro, born in 1924 in New Malden, Surrey, was a pioneering figure in modern sculpture known for his use of industrial materials and innovative abstraction. After studying engineering at Christ's College, Cambridge, and training as a sculptor at the Royal Academy Schools in London, Caro's artistic direction shifted significantly following his work with Henry Moore in the early 1950s.

By the 1960s, Caro had developed a distinctive style, using steel beams, plates, and girders to create abstract compositions that emphasised open space and viewer interaction. His use of bright, flat colors on steel constructions, as seen in works like "Early One Morning" (1962) and "Midday" (1960), added a painterly dimension to his sculptures. Influenced by modernist principles and abstract expressionism, Caro drew inspiration from artists such as David Smith and the constructivist tradition.

Caro’s contributions to sculpture were widely recognised, with exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Notable shows included his 1969 retrospective at the Hayward Gallery and his display at the 1976 Venice Biennale. Additionally, Caro was a dedicated educator at St. Martin's School of Art in London, mentoring artists like Phillip King and Richard Deacon.

His work is held in prestigious collections including the British Museum, the Tate, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Over his six-decade career, Caro continually pushed the boundaries of sculptural form and technique, transforming industrial materials into dynamic works of art. Caro passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary sculpture and influencing numerous artists.

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