Recorte em relevo - José Escada

A striking paper cut-out by Portuguese artist José Escada, featuring layered geometric forms in lime green, white, and red.

José Escada was a Portuguese artist known for his experimentation with form, space, and the physical properties of materials. This work, titled Recorte em relevo, demonstrates his interest in the sculptural potential of paper. By cutting and folding the material, Escada transforms a two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional object that interacts with light and shadow. The composition relies on symmetry and negative space. The artist uses a vibrant lime green layer, which is cut to reveal a white central form. This white shape acts as a core, surrounded by the green paper that appears to expand outwards. The red background provides a high-contrast base, creating a visual tension between the layers. The work is folded along a central vertical axis, which adds a sense of depth and structure to the piece. Escada often explored the boundaries between painting and sculpture. His work frequently involves the manipulation of paper to create relief effects, moving away from traditional canvas-based painting. This specific piece reflects his minimalist approach to shape and colour, where the act of cutting becomes the primary method of mark-making. The resulting form is organic, reminiscent of biological structures or abstract silhouettes, yet it remains firmly rooted in the geometric precision of the cut. By removing material, Escada defines the positive space, allowing the viewer to perceive the work as a series of nested planes. This approach invites a close examination of how the physical edges of the paper create depth without the need for traditional perspective or shading techniques.