Pevsner’s sculpture construction: technology as the style basis

The article is devoted to Pevsner's new way of sculpture construction he developed during his last working period while living in Paris (1930—1962). It was based on technology developed by Pevsner himself that allowed to weld straight-line metal rods together so that they shape the surfaces having compound curvature (called ruled surfaces). Pevsner turned this technology into the style. Unlike architecture where ruled surfaces are used because of their great structural efficiency and an aesthetic appearance, sculpture bases mainly on their plastic features. This technique allowed Pevsner to place the parts of his structures in such a way that they could interplay with space and light making various light-and-shade and color effects in accordance with the Constructivism principals worked out in 1920. Despite their abstract character Pevsner's sculptures are instinct of life because of the sensation of motion they produce, which is the main manifestation of technique based on ruled surfaces. Acommon way of construction based on ruled surfaces not only in architecture and sculpture but also in design and modern art makes it possible to conclude that an independent style has emerged that continues to develop.