Concerto, 1988

Concerto (1988) is a quintessential example of Arman’s iconic “Accumulations” and “Sliced” series, in which the artist deconstructs everyday objects to reveal their inner energy. In this bronze sculpture, Arman dismantles and reassembles several violins, creating a dynamic cluster where forms overlap, split open, and intertwine. The polished golden interiors contrast with the dark patina of the exterior surfaces, emphasizing both the fragility and the resonance of the instrument.

The piece conveys a sense of movement—as if the music itself has exploded into sculptural form. By fragmenting the violins and recomposing them into a single vertical composition, Arman transforms a familiar classical object into a powerful meditation on rhythm, repetition, and the expressive potential of destruction. Concerto stands as a poetic celebration of sound, material, and the artist’s ability to give new life to the objects he dissects.