Barrios, Rafael | Levitation III, 2019 — available on Composition Gallery

Metal sculpture Silver painted; hand signed by the artist and numbered

Levitation III by Rafael Barrios is a striking metal sculpture from 2019 that plays with perception and balance. Painted in silver, the sculpture features geometric forms that appear to be suspended or floating in space, defying the conventional constraints of gravity. Barrios’ mastery in creating optical illusions is evident as each block seems to hover in dynamic alignment, producing a sensation of weightlessness and movement. The sleek, metallic finish enhances its futuristic aesthetic, while the piece’s precise angles and positioning invite viewers to explore perspectives from various angles. Signed and numbered by the artist, this work exemplifies Barrios' fascination with spatial manipulation and the limits of human perception.

Rafael Barrios (Venezuela, 1947) is a renowned sculptor celebrated for his vibrant, geometric works that create striking optical illusions. His sculptures play with perception, making flat forms appear three-dimensional. Barrios’s innovative approach has earned him international acclaim, with his large-scale installations featured in prominent public spaces worldwide.

Rafael Barrios

Levitation III, 2019

Name: Levitation III, 2019
SKU: 9154

Form

Sculpture / Object

Sculpture / ObjectA sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or wood. Modeling and casting use clay or wax, while constructions glue materials together.

Medium

Metal

MetalMetal has been traditionally used in art for creating sculptures, jewelry, masks, adornments, tools, and weapons, often featuring decorative elements. Common types of metal used include bronze, brass, cast iron, gray iron, copper, gold, tin, wrought iron, and silver.

Edition

Edition of 20

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Metal sculpture Silver painted; hand signed by the artist and numbered

Rafael Barrios

Levitation 2, 2019

Sculpture / Object

Metal

EUR 5,000

Rafael Barrios

Levitation III, 2019

Sculpture / Object

Metal

Currently Not Available

Levitation I(...), 2019

Sculpture / Object

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If gravity was not on our minds, the world would work better.
- Rafael Barrios

Rafael Barrios (b. 1947, Venezuela) is a sculptor and artist known for his innovative approach to monumental sculpture and three-dimensional art. He began his studies at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Caracas, gaining early recognition with the National Youth Painting Award in 1963. Barrios continued his education at the Ontario College of Art in Canada, where he graduated with honors in communication, design, and pure art, followed by studies in Fine Arts and Monumental Sculpture Techniques at New York University. His work is characterized by its dynamic, levity, and strength, often manifesting in large-scale public sculptures that challenge geometric norms. Barrios' sculptures create the illusion of suspended volumes and break traditional orthodox directionality, offering new perceptual possibilities. He has served as Art Director for UNESCO and as a creative consultant for Latin Touch. His profound artistic philosophy is reflected in his statement about the nature of reality and art: "As long as we insist on proposing virtual reality as a representation of universal identity, we are making the same academic mistake..."

Available works by Rafael Barrios

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Rafael Barrios

Levitation 2, 2019

Sculpture / Object

Metal

EUR 5,000

Artwork by Anthony Caro

What is New Generation Sculpture?

New Generation Sculpture was a movement started in the 1960s by a group of British artists. They experimented with unconventional forms, materials, and colors, creating sculptures that did not rely on traditional bases. Their work often featured plastic sheeting, fiberglass, and other industrial materials, which were fastened together and brightly painted.

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Rafael Barrios