Cut Out I 1981 by John Foster, Steel, Unique, 260cm high by 48cm wide by 36cm deep, Abstract sculpture

Cut Out I (1981) by John Foster is a unique abstract steel sculpture. It measures 260 cm high, 48 cm wide, and 36 cm deep.

The sculpture rises vertically with flat, clean edges, giving it a commanding presence. Near the top, the form widens slightly, creating a subtle sense of weight and balance. Several cuts pierce the steel in this upper section, allowing the form to bend and shift gently. These incisions create tension, as if the metal is simultaneously held together and pulled apart.

At the apex, two larger cuts dominate the composition. They slice into the metal but leave the overall form intact, creating an interplay between absence and presence. The precision of these slices emphasizes the geometric nature of the work while introducing a sense of fragility within its bold structure.

Foster mounts the piece on a sturdy metal stand, which elevates it and provides visual stability. The stand contrasts with the sliced and curved upper section, anchoring the sculpture firmly to the ground while allowing the eye to travel upward along its elegant verticality.

From different angles, the cuts and bends interact with light, casting subtle shadows and enhancing the dynamic quality of the form. The simplicity of its flat sides and the complexity of its sliced sections work together, creating a sculpture that feels both monumental and delicate.

Cut Out I demonstrates Foster’s mastery of steel, space, and form, balancing strength with a refined sense of movement.