In 1996 Carl Andre arranged blocks of wood in the main gallery of Modern Art Oxford and sparked a fascinating discussion about whether this was art. Now a younger – but equally talented artist – has placed several blocks of wood in MAO’s lower galleries, where they will remain until March 29.

This exhibition, by French artist Raphaël Zarka, is the sixth in the Encounters series that Modern Art Oxford established in 2007.

The aim of the series is to create opportunities for new and emerging artists and to expand the relationship between art and audiences.

The eight blocks of wood scorched with geometric patterns are Raphaël Zarka’s new installation Les Billes de Sharp (Sharps Beams). The patterns are those described by the English astronomer Abraham Sharp in his 17th-century treatise Geometry Improved, which explains how to cut complex polyhedra (multi-sided forms) from a solid block of wood.

This is why a portrait of Sharp, borrowed from the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, can be seen hanging on the left-hand side of the entrance to the lower gallery. This portrait attests to Zarka’s sense of theatre. It also gives a visiting French artist’s exhibition a visible link with Oxford.

Les Billes de Sharp are found structures on to which Zarka has directly transposed a second set of found elements, taken from Sharp’s treatise. The natural lines within the wood that create their own pattern are enhanced by the traces across the wood’s surface that Zarka has added.

Occasional splits in the wood enhance the work further and confuse the marks Zarka has added. It’s fascinating stuff and every bit as dramatic as Carl Andre’s work.

To learn more about Zarka’s work you can participate in one of Modern Art Oxford’s free lunchtime tours led by a member of MAO’s team, which take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm.

Or you can join a Saturday tour on February 21, March 21 and March 28 at 3pm.

On Tuesday, February 17, a free screening of Raphael Zarka’s Topographie Anecdotee du Skateboard takes place at 6pm.