The sculptor Anthony Caro's last name is pronounced /ˈkærəʊ/. The first syllable is stressed, and starts with the sound "K" as in "kite." The second syllable is unstressed and has a schwa sound, similar to the "a" in "sofa." The third syllable contains the "R" sound and ends with a long "O" sound, as in "boat." Therefore, the spelling of his name is pronounced as "KAR-oh," with the accent on the first syllable.
Anthony Caro (1924-2013) was a prominent British sculptor who played a pivotal role in the development of modernist sculpture. His work is characterized by its abstract and minimalist style, which challenged traditional notions of sculpture and influenced subsequent generations of artists.
Caro’s sculptures are primarily made from industrial materials such as steel, aluminum, and bronze. He emphasized the importance of sculpture as an independent and autonomous form of art, deconstructing the conventional boundaries between sculpture and its surrounding space. Caro rejected the use of pedestals, opting instead to place his sculptures directly on the ground, thus creating an intimate and interactive relationship between the artwork and the viewer.
Caro’s innovative approach to sculpture effectively broke away from the figurative tradition that dominated the art world in the mid-20th century. His use of abstraction and bold geometric forms provided a new visual language for sculptural expression. He explored themes such as balance, proportion, and the relationship between form and space, resulting in powerful and dynamic sculptures that captivate the viewer's attention.
Throughout his career, Caro produced a vast body of work, ranging from large-scale public installations to smaller, more intimate pieces. His contributions to the field of sculpture were widely acknowledged, and he received numerous awards and accolades. Caro's work continues to be celebrated for its conceptual depth, technical innovation, and enduring influence on the trajectory of sculpture as an art form.