Wright Auction

Heinz Mack is a celebrated German artist and a pivotal figure in postwar contemporary art. He is best known as the co-founder of the ZERO Movement, which he established alongside Otto Piene in 1957. The movement emerged as a radical response to the devastation of World War II, rejecting traditional artistic conventions in favor of a fresh, forward-looking aesthetic that emphasized light, space, and pure form. Later joined by Günther Uecker, the ZERO movement became a global phenomenon, influencing artists and art practices worldwide.

Mack's artistic oeuvre is deeply rooted in an exploration of light as both a material and a subject. His work encompasses a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, kinetic art, and monumental sculptures. Using polished metal, mirrors, glass, and other reflective surfaces, Mack creates works that play with light and movement, generating dynamic visual experiences. His iconic Light Steles and environmental installations integrate seamlessly into natural landscapes, emphasizing harmony between art and nature.

Over the decades, Mack's work has been exhibited at prestigious venues, including representing Germany at the 1970 Venice Biennale and participating in major exhibitions such as Documenta. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Even in his later years, Mack continues to innovate, expanding his artistic vision and influencing contemporary art with his timeless explorations of light, energy, and perception.