Crisscross Flats Sculpture

Oxidized steel against the sky. That’s the Crisscross Flats sculpture by Sir Anthony Caro. Right here at York University, this striking piece of art isn’t just steel; it’s a story. Crisscross Flats arrived here in a rather unique way. Caro was an artist-in-residence at York University during the 1973-74 academic year. This residency led to a flurry of creativity. Caro and his assistants worked tirelessly at York Steel, cutting and shaping numerous works. In fact, over the next year, they produced 35 pieces right here on campus. Crisscross Flats stands as a testament to this productive period. Caro’s process involved welding large sheets of raw steel and prefabricated fragments. He let the materials themselves guide the composition. Notice how the flatness of the steel sheets gives the three-dimensional sculpture a distinctly two-dimensional quality. It’s a nod to modernist painting, almost like a canvas brought to life in steel. And look at how it sits directly on the ground. Caro deliberately avoided a pedestal, wanting to connect viewers more intimately with the sculpture. He wanted you to experience it, not just observe it from afar. Crisscross Flats wasn’t just left here. It was a gift. Caro donated it to the Faculty of Fine Arts in 1976. It was his way of thanking them for their support during that incredibly productive 1974 sculpture project. So next time you see Crisscross Flats, remember its journey. From artist-in-residence to a lasting symbol of creativity and collaboration, this sculpture is more than meets the eye. It is a piece of York University’s artistic history.