Square Tops by Wen-Ying Tsai

Artwork · China

Thin metal rods rise from a square reflective base in a dark space, each ending in a small square plate seen edge-on; several rods appear curved or doubled in motion. — Wen-Ying Tsai, *Cybernetic Sculpture: Square Tops* (1969). Aluminium, steel, concrete, electric motor, audio-control unit and strobe light. © Tsai Art and Science Foundation. Image: Tate (L04611). Lent by the Tate Americas Foundation, courtesy of Lee & Betsy Turner in recognition of their friendship with the artist, 2022. Image source.

The Chinese born Wen-Ying Tsai was a pioneer of cybernetic and kinetic sculpture. His 1969 works, Harmonic Sculpture and Square Tops exemplify his critical contributions to the development of electronic art from kinetic sculpture.

Text by Peter Bauman. Generative Art Timeline, Le Random, fact-checked September 2026.

Sources

tate.org.uk

People

Wen-Ying Tsai

Movements

kinetic art

Filed under

Ideas: Cybernetic Art, sculpture
Technologies: cybernetics, kinetic art, kinetic sculpture
People: Wen-Ying Tsai
Works: Electronic Art, Harmonic Sculpture, Square Tops
Places: China

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