Piene, Otto | Addis Abeba, 1972 — available on Composition Gallery

Portfolio of 10 color silkscreens - Printed by Siebdrucktechnik, Essen. - Individual prints were issued in different edition sizes (90; 125; 185; 270) - Published by Edition Merian, Krefeld. Literature: - Galerie Rottluff (ed.): Otto Piene - Werkverzeichnis der Druckgrafik 1960-76, Karlsruhe 1977, cat. rais. no. 149-158.

Addis Abeba by Otto Piene, created in 1972, is a portfolio of 10 limited edition silkscreen prints. Each print measures 146 x 96 cm and showcases Piene's innovative use of color and abstraction. The series, printed by Siebdrucktechnik in Essen and published by Edition Merian in Krefeld, draws inspiration from the vibrant energy of Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa. Piene's work in this collection is characterized by dynamic interplay between shapes and vivid hues, often blending bold reds, blues, and monochromatic tones to create a sense of movement and intensity. His mastery of the silkscreen medium is evident, as he constructs intricate compositions that are both visually engaging and evocative. This collection is cataloged in Galerie Rottluff’s work on Piene’s graphics, emphasizing its significance in the artist’s oeuvre.

Otto Piene (Germany, 1928–2014) was a pioneering artist and co-founder of the ZERO movement, known for his innovative light and fire art. His works explored immateriality and energy, incorporating mediums like smoke, fire, and projections. Iconic pieces such as Light Ballet reflect his fascination with light as a transformative force in art.

Otto Piene

Addis Abeba, 1972

Name: Addis Abeba, 1972
SKU: 11782
Price: 19500.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Silkscreen

Silkscreen Silkscreen is a printmaking method that uses a screen made of silk or other mesh fabric. The screen is treated with a substance that blocks ink in certain areas, allowing ink to pass through only in the desired sections. Each color in the print requires a separate screen.

Edition

Edition of 90; 125; 185; 270

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Light is my medium. Previously, paintings and sculptures seemed to glow. Now they do.
- Otto Piene

Otto Piene is a German artist who studied art at both the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and the Academy of Art in Munich. He also studied philosophy at the University of Cologne and worked as a fashion lecturer for several years at the Fashion Institute in Düsseldorf. Otto Piene founded with Heinz Mack the group Zero, where later Gunther Uecker joined. He created his own unusual techniques to achieve stunning visual results. One of Otto Piene’s favorite techniques was to use stencil paintings on grids. In one series of paintings, he used the light from torches projected through the grids. In another, Otto Piene used different sources of fire, such as gas burners or candles, to add smoke to his work. Otto Piene did not limit his work to using only these techniques. Some of his pieces involved printing and he even experimented with both industrial design and kinetic sculpture performance. He designed a statue in the form of a mining lamp in 1999. The statue, called Das Geleucht, was on display in Germany until 2007.

Artwork by Jesus Rafael Soto

What is kinetic art?

Kinetic art is an international movement that emerged in the 1920s and gained prominence in the 1960s, referring to art that involves both apparent and real motion. It encompasses any medium that includes movement, either relying on actual motion for its effect or being perceived as moving by the viewer. Early examples include canvas paintings designed to create optical illusions of movement. Today, kinetic art often refers to three-dimensional figures and sculptures, such as those operated by machines or those that move naturally. The movement covers a variety of styles and techniques that frequently overlap.

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Otto Piene