Steli 1.0 – Sculptural Verticality in Corten Steel

two corten steel number sculptures by paolo grassi in natural outdoor setting
Two corten steel sculptures from the Steli 2.0 series by Paolo Grassi, photographed outdoors in a natural setting. Each vertical column is composed of stacked numbers in a unique configuration.

A dialogue of balance, rhythm, and elevation

Steli 1.0 is a sculptural series by Paolo Grassi created in corten steel, composed of vertical elements that combine rhythm, sequence, and poetic presence.

Each slender column rises with a progression of numbers, shaped into the metal, evoking both fragility and structure.

These works explore the symbolic value of numbers, transforming them into carriers of memory, flow, and individual identity.

The corten’s natural oxidation adds a material resonance, expressing the passage of time and the transformation of matter.

close-up of corten steel number sculpture by paolo grassi with textured surface and shadows
Close-up of a corten steel sculpture from the Steli 2.0 series by Paolo Grassi. The detail highlights the interplay of shadows, textures, and numerical forms.

Steli 1.0 is one of the most appreciated series within the long-term project From “0” to Infinity, and is part of several private collections—including in Berlin—due to its formal purity and the intensity of its vertical presence.

The modularity of each piece makes it adaptable to different spaces while maintaining conceptual and visual consistency.

Selezione di cinque sculture verticali dalla serie Steli 2.0 di Paolo Grassi, con elementi alternati in acciaio inox e acciaio corten. Le opere indagano il ritmo dei numeri in una sequenza spaziale.
A selection of five vertical sculptures from the Steli 2.0 series by Paolo Grassi, featuring alternating stainless steel and corten steel elements. The works explore the rhythm of numbers in a spatial sequence.

Un dialogo di equilibrio, ritmo e verticalità

Steli 1.0 è una serie scultorea realizzata da Paolo Grassi in acciaio corten, formata da elementi verticali che coniugano ritmo, sequenza e presenza poetica.

Ogni colonna si eleva attraverso una progressione numerica modellata nel metallo, evocando insieme fragilità e struttura.

L’opera indaga il valore simbolico del numero, trasformandolo in vettore di memoria, flusso e identità individuale.

L’ossidazione naturale del corten accentua il senso del tempo che passa e della trasformazione della materia.

Steli 1.0 è una delle serie più apprezzate del progetto From “0” to Infinity e fa parte di importanti collezioni private — tra cui Berlino — per la sua purezza formale e la forza verticale che la contraddistingue.

La modularità degli elementi consente un adattamento a diversi contesti, mantenendo coerenza visiva e concettuale.

Two oxidized Corten steel sculptures from Paolo Grassi’s Steli 2.0 series, displayed outdoors among rocks and vegetation.
Installation view of Steli 1.0 (center) and two elements from Steli 2.0 (sides) by Paolo Grassi. The dialogue between the sculptural languages explores variation, symmetry, and numeric abstraction in corten steel.

Title: Steli 1.0
Project: From "0" to Infinity – 11 distinct elements
Material: Cor - Ten
Sizes: 60 x 40 x 40 cm
Year of creation: 2010 - 2018
Edition: Each of the 11 pieces is unique

Collection: Steli is part of private collections.

Macro view of Paolo Grassi’s Steli 1.0, showing the texture and interplay of oxidized metal numbers.
Close-up of Steli 1.0, highlighting the precision and tactile presence of the oxidized numbers. - Dettaglio ravvicinato di Steli 1.0, che evidenzia la precisione e la presenza tattile dei numeri ossidati.
Vertical sculpture Steli 2.0 by Paolo Grassi, featuring an ascending rhythm of oxidized numbers in Corten steel.
Steli 2.0 sculpture standing tall in oxidized Corten steel, variation within a series. - Scultura Steli 2.0 in acciaio Corten ossidato, una variazione all’interno della serie.
➜ Explore the Complete Catalogue / Esplora il Catalogo Completo

All works presented here are part of the artistic project From “0” to Infinity by Paolo Grassi, exploring the relationship between numbers, time and transformation through conceptual art.


Tutte le opere qui presentate fanno parte del progetto artistico From “0” to Infinity di Paolo Grassi, che esplora il rapporto tra numeri, tempo e trasformazione attraverso l’arte concettuale.