Naum Gabo
1890 - 1977
Gabo was born in Russia and trained in Munich as a scientist and engineer. He made his first geometrical constructions while living in Oslo in 1915. Gabo was influenced by scientists who were developing new ways of understanding space, time and matter. He responded to this in his sculpture by using transparent plastics. In 1920, Gabo published a 'Realistic Manifesto' which set out the principles of Constructivism and advocated a new abstract sculpture. From 1936 to 1946 Gabo lived in England. Through his friendships with Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, he also influenced their artwork, particularly in the use of string in their sculptures.
Text © National Galleries of Scotland
