By Kris Ghesquière
Exhibition at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice
October 12, 2024 – March 2, 2025
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice proudly presents Marina Apollonio: Oltre il cerchio, the most comprehensive retrospective of Marina Apollonio's career ever held in Italy. Curated by art historian Marianna Gelussi, this exhibit pays homage to one of the foremost figures in Optical and Kinetic Art, showcasing Apollonio's relentless exploration of form, movement, and perception through a diverse selection of artworks. As a visionary collector, Peggy Guggenheim recognized Apollonio's innovative talent early on, commissioning the seminal work Rilievo n. 505 in 1968, which remains part of the museum's collection. This retrospective fittingly celebrates Apollonio’s impact alongside other pivotal Italian artists of the postwar avant-garde supported by Guggenheim.
Pioneer of Optical and Kinetic Art
Marina Apollonio (b. 1940) stands as one of the most influential figures in Optical and Kinetic Art, with a career spanning over six decades. Born in Trieste, Italy, she developed her distinctive artistic vision in Venice, where she became a key figure in the international Op Art movement of the 1960s. Her work explores the fascinating intersection of mathematics, perception, and visual art, creating pieces that challenge and engage viewers through precise geometric patterns and kinetic elements.
Artistic Vision and Impact
Apollonio's artistic practice is characterized by rigorous mathematical precision and a deep understanding of visual perception. Since the early 1960s, she has focused on creating works that explore the dynamic relationship between viewer and artwork, particularly through her signature use of concentric patterns and geometric forms. Her innovative approach to optical effects and movement has influenced generations of artists and earned her recognition as a master of Op Art.
The artist's work is distinguished by its ability to create seemingly impossible visual effects through strictly controlled geometric patterns. Using primarily black and white, Apollonio harnesses the power of contrast and repetition to create works that appear to pulse, rotate, and transform before the viewer's eyes.
Signature Works Available
We are privileged to present four exceptional pieces that exemplify Apollonio's mastery of optical dynamics:
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