Rotolineare is a horizontal tube of transparent methacrylate pierced by a series of metal segments. The tube is activated by a rotational movement that makes the segments slide, without slipping through thanks to stoppers placed on their tips. The segments slide progressively by gravity. The audience observes the rhythmical sequence of falls, accompanied by the noise caused by the segments. The perceptual setting is not a contemplation, but a participation in the continuous dynamic and the invasion of space operated by Rotolineare. Different versions were produced: it seems that the initial work was small, made of a white PVC tube crossed by drinking straws stopped by rubber caps (closing plugs for perfume bottles).

Artist
Gabriele Devecchi

Title
Rotolineare

Date
1961–1962

Collection/owner
Archivio Gabriele Devecchi, Milan

Exhibition
Miriorama 11, 12 and XXXII Biennale di Venezia, 1964

Medium
Transparent and black methacrylate, aluminum, motor.