Piene, Otto | Zyklop Gelb, 1984 — available on Composition Gallery

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Aquatinta, Carborundum etching

Zyklop Gelb by Otto Piene, created in 1984, is a striking example of the artist's experimental approach to printmaking. Utilizing carborundum etching and aquatint, this limited edition print (from an edition of 30) features a large, surreal, eye-like form in a mix of yellow and black tones against a rich, deep blue background. The image evokes the mythical Cyclops, with a gaze that seems to peer beyond the frame, merging organic textures with fantastical elements. Piene’s mastery of light and texture brings an intense, almost hypnotic quality to the composition. Measuring 76 cm by 108 cm, the work captures a fusion of abstraction and symbolism, typical of Piene’s exploration of cosmic and elemental themes.

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

Zyklop Gelb, 1984

Name: Zyklop Gelb, 1984
SKU: 5477
Price: 2400.00 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

Carborundum

Carborundum Carborundum is the trademark name for silicon carbide crystals, an abrasive material commonly used in sandpaper, cutting tools, and grinding wheels. Originally, artists used carborundum for grinding lithography stones. In collagraph printmaking, it is applied to plates to create texture and tone gradients, adding depth and contrast to the prints.

Edition

Edition of 30

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●Inventory 5477

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Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

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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 Bruce Nauman

What is Process Art?

Process Art is an artistic movement and creative approach where the focus is on the act of creation rather than the final product. The term process in this context refers to the various stages of art-making, including gathering, sorting, associating, and organizing materials and actions. This movement emphasizes the artistic journey and the human expression involved in creating art, rather than the finished piece itself. Process Art is driven by inherent motivation, intentionality, and the rationale behind the actions, viewing the creative process as the true artwork.

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Otto Piene

Zyklop Gelb, 1984

76 x 108 cm

Language & Currency

Otto Piene