Artist Research no.9: Karel Malich

Karel Malich is a largely unknown Czech sculptor, categorized into Ostkunst, or eastern art. Up until the Gorbachev years this term was used negatively, referencing a regressive idea. His work is most synonymous with American "antiform" due to his choice of materials, rope and wire. It is wild to think of Malich creating work unilaterally with these artists as he was in complete isolation, from 1971 to 1980 he was not allowed to leave the country or exhibit any work. He emerged from the Constructivists in the 60's and moved towards a minimalist approach. His sculptures intrigue me most in the way that the function more as drawings in space/ air, than as physical objects. They are crafted from hand painted wires, and then bundled together and knotted.