538 - MACK, HEINZ

MACK, HEINZ 1931 Lollar Title: "Dynamic Structure in Black and Brown" (Autumn Leaves). Date: 1961/62. Technique: Synthetic resin on untreated cotton. Dimensions: 85 x 85.5 cm. Notation: Titled, signed, and dated on the upper verso: “dynamische Struktur” schwarz und braun mack 61/62. Also features a directional arrow. Frame: Studio bar. A certificate signed by the artist and dated October 1988 is available for this work. Provenance: - Private collection - Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia Literature: - Fleck, Robert (ed.): Heinz Mack - ZERO Malerei, Catalogue Raisonné, Vol. I 1956–1968, Munich/Düsseldorf/Vienna 2017, cat. rais. no. 1962/43, ill. p. 277 and p. 73 (Vol. II). - By the leading figure of the Düsseldorf-based ZERO group - The paintings from the early ZERO period are among the most sought-after works on the art market - An exceptional, rare color scheme with a particularly dynamic, shimmering texture - Embodies Mack’s early visual explorations of light, surface, color, and form In 1957, Otto Piene and Heinz Mack founded ZERO—a pioneering movement of young, experimental artists emerging from the “Zero Hour” following World War II, which quickly gained international prominence from its base in Düsseldorf. Light, air, fire, and water became the new artistic materials in their radical expansion of the concept of art. Heinz Mack’s representational works are found only in his early pieces from before 1955. Soon, however, the artist moved away from figuration and individual style, seeking a clearly structured, rational visual language based on objectifiable principles. The forms of expression and composition developed in the early years of his career continued to exert a defining influence throughout his entire body of work. As early as 1958, in his manifesto “The New Dynamic Structure,” published in the first issue of the ZERO journal co-edited with Otto Piene, the artist explained the theoretical foundations of his work: “A color can have various meanings; but it gains its virtual objectification—that is, its actual energy—when it enters into its own vibration: That is its breath, its life. [...] We achieve this intensity of color vibration through the continuum of deviation from an ideal monochrome, or rather through the continuum of approaching such a state. [...] I give color a vibration—that is, I give color a structure—or: I give color its form. There can no longer be any question of form-creation in the traditional sense.” (Heinz Mack, quoted in: ZERO 1 (reprint), pp. 12–13) Mack’s conception of a new pictorial idea is based on the precise steering of perception. Parallel horizontal zones, formed by a multitude of small, only minimally varied vertical elements, constitute the constructive framework of his paintings from these years. They generate a subtle movement within the image. The color scheme, often reduced to black and white, refers to the elementary polarity of light and shadow as core elements of painting. The principle of systematic repetition is also evident in Mack’s early work “Dynamic Structure in Black and Brown” from 1961–62: a strictly structured composition of horizontally arranged rows of dark, vertically oriented forms on a warm brown background. Abstract, wedge-shaped elements vary in density and form, creating a pulsating interplay of light and shadow, positive and negative forms, movement and stillness. Toward the bottom, the color palette becomes more concentrated—the brown glows with increasing intensity until it transitions into a deep reddish-brown at the lower edge of the painting. The surface seems to breathe; it appears alive and vibrant, while subtle irregularities and flowing brushstrokes further enliven the composition. The work is an exemplary testament to Mack’s painting during his early ZERO phase, in which he translates light and movement into structured, energetically charged pictorial fields. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: This lot is not suitable for parcel shipping. Transport is available only through a shipping company following consultation after the auction. Additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: max. 41.65 euros For a total invoice amount exceeding 25,000 Euros: 1.8 per thousand Shipping to the U.S. by individual arrangement after the auction. #Heinz Mack #ZERO #Germany #Post-War Art #Painting #Abstract #1960s #Post War. In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obligated to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price toward this fee.