Vasarely, Victor

Victor Vasarely was born on 9 April 1908 in Péco, Hungary. In 1925 he began to study medicine, but in 1927 he transferred to the Poldini-Volkmann Academy of Art, Budapest. 1928-1929 he continues his artistic training at the Mirkely Academy (the so-called Bauhaus of Budapest). 1930 Moves to Paris, works in commercial art. 1936-1944 first phase of his free graphic work: 1938 period Denfert, Belle Isle; 1944 co-founder of the Galerie Denise René, Paris; 1947 he decides in favour of constructive geometric abstract graphic art. From 1948, the first series are created as 'Periodes': Denfert, Cristal-Gordes, Black and White; 1955 The Yellow Manifesto (Kinetics). Architectural works, integral colour design, tapestry, art films, design, sculpture and stage sets are added to graphics and painting. 1961 Moves from Arcueil to Annet-sur-Marne; 1962 begins 'Planetary Folklore'. From 1964, prizes and honours accumulate. His artistic and journalistic-cultural work is also widely recognised. Vasarely becomes one of the most popular abstract artists of his time. 1971 Opening of the didactic Vasarely Museum in Gordes,Vaucluse (which kept its doors open to the public until 1997). 1970/71 Creation of the Vasarely Foundation. 1972 Foundation of the Association of Friends of the Vasarely Foundation. Vasarely's writings 1947-1969 are published. 1976 Opening of the Fondation Vasarely research centre in Aix-en-Provence. Efforts to redesign the cities. Opening of a Vasarely museum in Péc (Hungary). 1982 of a Vasarely Centre in Oslo. Vasarely dies of old age on 15 March 1997 in his studio near Paris. Part of his artistic oeuvre is administered (until 1997) by the Vasarely Foundation. This biography is subject to copyright. (c) Evi Kliemand, 1998. All rights reserved. Reproduced with kind permission of the author.