He once said, “a hole can have as much meaning as a solid mass”

On the December 17, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy category was Art & Artists, presenting contestants with a quote rather than a straightforward historical or stylistic reference. The clue read: “He once said, ‘a hole can have as much meaning as a solid mass.'” This philosophical approach to form and absence is a hallmark of certain 20th-century sculptural movements, and identifying the artist required knowledge of both modernist thought and sculpture.

Who is Henry Moore?

Henry Moore, a British sculptor born in 1898, is the correct response to this clue. He is one of the most influential figures in modern sculpture, known for his abstract, large-scale bronze works that often feature voids or holes as integral parts of the composition. Moore’s use of negative space was not just a formal decision but a philosophical one—he believed that emptiness could carry just as much emotional or symbolic weight as the material surrounding it.

The quote used in the clue reflects Moore’s belief that space within sculpture should not merely be incidental. He frequently explored how air and light interacted with his pieces, particularly in outdoor settings. For Moore, the hole wasn’t simply a removal of material—it was a deliberate form that created new dynamics in the viewer’s perception and the sculpture’s relationship with its environment.

The Role of Negative Space in Modern Sculpture

Moore’s innovative use of holes or voids was not just aesthetic but deeply tied to his artistic values. He was among the first sculptors to treat empty space as an element that could balance and define the solid mass around it. In pieces like Reclining Figure or Large Torso: Arch, the gaps are not accidental—they frame views, invite light, and create tension between inside and outside.

This approach was revolutionary in the early to mid-20th century. While traditional Western sculpture emphasized mass, solidity, and classical proportions, Moore moved toward abstraction and simplification. The incorporation of negative space broke from centuries-old traditions and aligned him with the growing interest in surrealism, primitivism, and biomorphic abstraction that dominated modern art discourse.

Artistic Influences and Legacy

Moore drew inspiration from a variety of global sources, including pre-Columbian, African, and Cycladic art, where abstraction and simplification of the human form were more common. These influences led him to reject the detailed realism of earlier Western traditions. Instead, he focused on universal forms—mother and child, reclining figures, and torsos—using simplified shapes and voids to evoke emotional and spiritual resonance.

His work resonated especially in post-war Britain, where public art was seen as a way to rebuild cultural identity. Moore’s sculptures were installed in parks, outside public buildings, and on university campuses, often emphasizing accessibility and interaction with space. The use of holes in his work allowed viewers to literally see through and beyond the form, encouraging engagement from multiple angles and perspectives.

Enduring Relevance of Moore’s Philosophy

Henry Moore’s notion that “a hole can have as much meaning as a solid mass” continues to influence contemporary sculpture and design. His work opened the door for future artists to experiment more freely with voids, transparency, and spatial relationships. The concept that absence can carry meaning is now fundamental in not just sculpture but also architecture and even conceptual art.

The clue on Jeopardy highlights a foundational idea in 20th-century art. Moore’s emphasis on the power of emptiness challenges viewers to reconsider what makes an object meaningful. His sculptures, often monumental and organic, reflect a belief that form is not only what is present but also what is intentionally left absent. In this way, Moore transformed the language of sculpture and expanded the visual and conceptual possibilities for artists around the world.