Marina Apollonio: A Retrospective Journey Beyond the Circle

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:

Dinamica Circolare 6Z+R (1965-2021)

This mesmerizing 48 x 48 cm mixed media sculpture showcases Apollonio's signature style at its finest. Against a deep black background, precise white concentric lines create an extraordinary optical illusion of movement and depth. The pattern appears to spiral inward, creating a dynamic visual experience that seems to rotate and pulse as the viewer's perspective shifts. This piece, from an edition of 20, represents the perfect synthesis of mathematical precision and artistic vision that characterizes Apollonio's work.

Dinamica Circolare 6 S+S (1966, produced 2020)

Another stunning 48 x 48 cm piece that demonstrates Apollonio's masterful manipulation of visual perception. The work features intricate circular patterns that create a hypnotic effect through the interplay of black and white elements. The precision of the concentric design generates a compelling sensation of movement, exemplifying the artist's ability to create dynamic experiences through static forms.

Dinamica Circolare 6B Ruotato (1968, produced 2020)

This 48 x 48 cm kinetic sculpture builds on Apollonio's exploration of optical effects through actual movement. The piece can be manually rotated, allowing viewers to interact directly with the work and experience the transformation of its geometric patterns. The stark contrast between the black background and white circular patterns creates a powerful visual impact that is amplified by the piece's kinetic potential.

Dinamica Circolare Ellisse 6Z (1969-2022)

Breaking from the perfect circle, this 20 x 50 cm elliptical piece demonstrates Apollonio's ability to create optical effects through varied geometric forms. The elongated shape offers a different perspective on her characteristic concentric patterns, while maintaining the powerful visual impact of her circular works.