Anthony Caro

Sir Anthony Alfred Caro (1924–2013) was a British sculptor and artist who fundamentally transformed modern sculpture through his innovative use of industrial materials, particularly steel. Born in New Malden, Surrey, Caro trained as a painter and sculptor but gained international recognition for his abstract steel sculptures that broke away from traditional figurative sculpture. Working closely with influential critic Clement Greenberg and inspired by the abstract expressionism movement, Caro developed a distinctive sculptural language that treated the human figure as a point of departure rather than a subject to be literally represented. His sculptures are characterized by their dynamic arrangement of metal beams, sheets, and found objects, creating complex compositions that engage viewers from multiple perspectives. Caro's work emphasizes the relationship between form and space, encouraging viewers to walk around and experience his pieces from different angles. He established an international reputation, with major exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Guggenheim. Beyond his own artistic practice, Caro was an influential teacher, working at various art schools and mentoring younger sculptors. His legacy includes not just his artistic innovations but his role in elevating sculpture as a major contemporary art form worthy of critical attention equal to painting.