Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
GRUPPO ZERO Biography
Gruppo Zero, also known simply as ZERO, was not the work of a single artist but rather a collective movement that emerged in the late 1950s. Founded by Heinz Mack and Otto Piene in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1957, and later joined by Günther Uecker in 1961, the group sought to transform the language of art in the post-war era. The name "Zero" was chosen to signify a zone of silence and of pure possibilities for a new beginning, as described by Piene. This was a deliberate attempt to move away from the expressive, subjective art that had dominated the early post-war period, particularly Abstract Expressionism, and towards a new conceptual and perceptual framework that embraced technology, science, and new materials.
The founding members, Mack and Piene, were both students at the Düsseldorf Academy of Arts, where they began to explore light, space, and kinetic art as mediums for their new artistic language. They were soon joined by Uecker, who shared their interest in using art to explore perceptual effects and viewer participation. The trio's collaboration was characterized by their innovative use of materials and technology to create art that was radically different from anything that had come before. They employed light, movement, and the participation of the viewer as integral components of their work, aiming to engage with the space beyond the traditional canvas and to challenge the viewer's perceptions.
The group's exhibitions were revolutionary, featuring installations that required viewer interaction, paintings that incorporated light and shadow as dynamic elements, and sculptures that moved or changed appearance over time. These works were not only visually striking but also conceptually profound, questioning the very nature of art and the role of the artist in the creative process. The Zero artists sought to democratize art, making it accessible and understandable to everyone, and to break down the barriers between art and life.
Gruppo Zero's influence quickly spread beyond Germany, attracting artists from across Europe and beyond. The movement became an international network of like-minded artists, including members from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Italy. This network facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and practices, leading to collaborative exhibitions and projects. Among the notable artists associated with the Zero network were Yves Klein, Lucio Fontana, Piero Manzoni, and Jean Tinguely, each of whom contributed to the movement's exploration of new artistic possibilities.
The group's activities peaked in the 1960s, with numerous exhibitions held across Europe and the United States. These exhibitions showcased the diversity and creativity of the Zero artists, featuring everything from light installations and kinetic sculptures to performances and environmental art. The movement's emphasis on experimentation, innovation, and collaboration left a lasting impact on the art world, paving the way for subsequent avant-garde movements such as Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Land Art.
Despite the dissolution of the core group in the late 1960s, the legacy of Gruppo Zero continues to influence contemporary artists and movements. The Zero Foundation, established by the original members, preserves the movement's archives and promotes research and exhibitions related to its history and impact. Today, the ideas and practices pioneered by Gruppo Zero remain relevant, inspiring new generations of artists to explore the boundaries of art and perception.
GRUPPO ZERO Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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