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Geometric forms

Whether they are real or implied, all forms are either geometric or organic.

Geometric forms are pure, mathematical objects including cubes, pyramids and spheres. Geometric forms appear man made and can suggest something solid, balanced and permanent.

Temple of Kukulcan, El Castillo, Chichen Itza
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Temple of Kukulcan, El Castillo, Chichen Itza

The Temple of Kukulcan in Chechen Itza, Mexico (constructed 9th – 12th Century) is an example of a real geometric form.

It is a pyramid that has been constructed by people. It is not a natural form.

Temple of Kukulcan, El Castillo, Chichen Itza
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Temple of Kukulcan, El Castillo, Chichen Itza
Constructivist teapot, Kazimir Malevich, 1923
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Constructivist teapot, Kazimir Malevich, 1923

This teapot (Kasimir Malevich, 1923) is a real geometric form.

The main body is made from an interlocked cylinder and cuboid with a spout created from a sphere, cuboid and triangular prism. All these are mathematical rather than natural forms.

Constructivist teapot, Kazimir Malevich, 1923
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Constructivist teapot, Kazimir Malevich, 1923
Abstract Composition, Jessica Dismorr, c.1915, oil on wood
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Abstract Composition, Jessica Dismorr, c.1915, oil on wood

Abstract Composition (Jessica Dismorr, c.1915) shows a number of objects that could be parts of buildings or other structures. These are geometric forms.

Although they are irregular, they are made up of straight faces, sharp angles and perfect curves. This is a two-dimensional work so these are implied forms rather than real forms.

Abstract Composition, Jessica Dismorr, c.1915, oil on wood
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Abstract Composition, Jessica Dismorr, c.1915, oil on wood
Slate Fold, Tiberthwaite, Andy Goldsworthy, 2013, 
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Slate Fold, Tiberthwaite, Andy Goldsworthy, 2013

Andy Goldsworthy created a geometric form in Slate Fold (2013) by placing pieces of slate in an order that made a circular section of a wall.

Slate Fold, Tiberthwaite, Andy Goldsworthy, 2013, 
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Slate Fold, Tiberthwaite, Andy Goldsworthy, 2013