“For the first time, the exhibition relates Op Art to works of art from the 16th to 18th centuries in which comparable methods of sensory manipulation come into play. Op Art’s rejection of harmony and balance in favor of irritation, violent effects and deception corresponds to a shift from the classical to the anticlassical – for which Mannerism stands as an epoch-spanning term. Accordingly, “Vertigo” understands Op Art as a mannerism of concrete art of the 20th century.”

The “Vertigo” exhibition was previously on display at mumok – Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien from May to October 2019.

Curators of the exhibition:
Eva Badura-Triska (mumok)
Eva-Marina Froitzheim (Kunstmuseum Stuttgart)
Markus Wörgötter (freelance curator)

In cooperation with the mumok – Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien

Image: Exhibition view
Vertigo. Op Art und eine Geschichte des Schwindels 1520-1970/ Op Art and a History of Deception 1520-1970, mumok Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, 25.5.-26.10.2019, Adolf Luther, Laser Room, 1970
Photo: Markus Wörgötter
© mumok/Adolf Luther Foundation, Krefeld/Bildrecht Vienna, 2019