Constructivo
Artist
Augusto Torres(Uruguayan, 1913–1992)Uruguayan, 1913–1992
CultureUruguayan
Titles
- Constructivo
Date1963
MediumPainted wood
Dimensions21 1/4 × 18 1/2 in. (54 × 47 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the 2019 Latin American Experience Gala and Auction
Object number2020.37
Current Location
The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building
Gallery 205
On view
Explore Further
Department
Latin American ArtObject Type
Constructivo
exquisitely demonstrates Augusto’s assimilation of Torres-García’s system of
Constructive Universalism into his own artistic concerns, emphasizing organic
and whimsical shapes. Although the emphasis remains on structural organization
defined by the grid, the pictographs expand beyond the individual compartments,
thus endowing them with a more abstract, pictorial quality. Composed of incised
and painted wood, the work demonstrates the versatility with which the Taller
Torres-García approached wood constructions.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Montevideo; [Cecilia de Torres, Ltd., New York, by early 1990s]; Private collection, New York, by early 2000s; purchased by MFAH, 2019.
Exhibition History"65 Years of Constructivist Wood: 1930-1995," Cecilia de Torres, New York, 1995.
Published References There are very few publications about Augusto Torres. Those that exist include: Castillo, Guido, Augusto Torres, and Elizabeth K. Fonseca. Augusto Torres. New York: Scala Books with the Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery of the University of Texas at Austin, 1986. Torres, Augusto, and Barbara Braun. Augusto Torres: Form, Structure, Synthesis,a Retrospective: Exhibition April 19-July 31, 1988. New York, NY: Americas Society/Art Gallery, 1988. Ramírez, Mari Carmen. El Taller Torres-García: The School of the South and its Legacy. Austin University of Texas Press, 1992. Torres, Augusto, Pedronzo L. Barbieri, and Visca F. Castillo. Augusto Torres. Montevideo: Galería de las Misiones, 2007. Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Verso: Inscribed at center top edge, upside-down: 114122
Recto: Signed at bottom left: A. TORRES
Verso: Signed along left edge, vertically: A. TORRES
Verso: Signed along left edge, vertically: A. TORRES
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Joaquín Torres-García
1929
Oil and nails on five pieces of wood glued together
2002.59
Sergio Torres-Torres
2009
Acrylic and graphite on canvas
2009.546.A-.C
