GROUP EXHIBITION

Following numerous Mack- and ZERO-shows in the past, this exhibition will be dedicated to Heinz Mack’s special connection to fellow artists of the Azimuth-movement, which coexisted with the ZERO-movement in Italy, with its members having exhibited at numerous ZERO-exhibitions at home and abroad. In addition to the outstanding works of this time, documentary footage will illustrate this mutually productive and inspiring friendship.

In the autumn of 1959, Heinz Mack drove his VW Beetle to Milan to visit Manzoni and Castellani. The former led him immediately to the studio of Fontana, who was considerably older than the other artists and very much admired. The artist Dadaimano also moved in these circles. Other mutual visits and joint exhibitions followed, which were put together with great commitment by the artists themselves.

Heinz Mack describes this time as very ‘exciting’. One got on very well and could rely on each other. Above all, however, one was encouraged by the ‘mockery and guffaw of the public and the critics,’ as well as under the ‘constant struggle for existence of the penniless artist.’ The artists defended themselves passionately and assured themselves of their friendship.

For many decades, the works of Fontana, Manzoni and Castellani have been coveted collectors’ items in the international art market and the works of ZERO-founder Heinz Mack, Otto Piene and Günther Uecker have long since adapted to a high price level. Thus, 60 years after the initiation of this visionary movement, the artists can look back on a rich oeuvre as well as an important stylistic movement, which receives a great deal of international attention.