WOLFGANG LUDWIG
Wolfgang Ludwig, born in 1923 in Mielesdorf in Thüringen, is an important artist of Op art, a style created in the 1960ies, whose representatives generated surprising optical effects on the viewer by means of precise abstract patterns and geometrical colour figures. Ludwig, who studies from 1947 to 1950 at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst, Leipzig and from 1950- 1956 with Hans Uhlmann and Alexander Camaro at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste, lives in Berlin and belongs to the circle of the ZERO movement. Having in the beginning focussed on coloured phenomena, he concentrates as from 1963, on his group of works of cinematic discs. He eliminates all colours and reduces his works to black and white. He constructed and painted circular, radial systems with even rays in black on a white background or vice versa.
With these disc constructions, Ludwig searches for possibilities to ‘stress’ the perception of the viewer, as he put it himself. Although the structures are purely static, the systems seem to start rotating slowly after a few seconds of looking at them. This rotation seems to happen clockwise and swing back in a counter-rotation. An affliction of his hands put a premature end to his creative work. As from 1971 he concentrates on his professorship in visual communication at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Berlin which he holds until 1991.
In spite of his comparatively short period of active and creative production, Ludwig’s art is internationally acknowledged. His works are represented in retrospective Op-art exhibitions to this day, e.g. in 2007 at the Optic Nerve show at the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio.
He dies in 2009 in Berlin.
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services