The questionable heritage of Vasarely: forgery, volatile artworks, covert grandchild...
Artist Victor Vasarely's "Polychrome City of Happiness" Inaugurated in Aix-en-Provence
Victor Vasarely, a Hungarian-born French artist and the pioneer of the Op Art movement, saw his vision of transforming urban spaces come to life in 1976 with the inauguration of the "Polychrome City of Happiness" in Aix-en-Provence, France.
The project, officially known as "Hérouville-Saint-Clair," was built on a hill at the exit of the city and featured 44 of Vasarely's monumental works, spanning over 4,000 square meters of imposing alveoli. The works included paintings and tapestries with hypnotic shapes that created a visual spectacle, embodying Vasarely’s belief in art as an integral part of daily life.
During the inauguration, Jacques Chirac, the French prime minister at the time, addressed Vasarely as "my dear master." Amidst the crowd, the artist, who appeared to be around 50 years old, punctuated his speech with "Isn't it?" and demonstrated a strong Hungarian accent. The mountain Sainte-Victoire, a famous landmark in the region, could be seen in the distance.
Vasarely expressed the need for visual satisfaction for humans, emphasizing the importance of his work in creating a harmonious and aesthetically engaging urban environment. The "Polychrome City of Happiness" is a testament to Vasarely’s pioneering role in using abstract art for social and environmental transformation, as well as one of the earliest large-scale applications of Op Art principles beyond canvas.
The "Polychrome City of Happiness" is a significant milestone in Vasarely’s prolific career, marking his commitment to making art accessible and enjoyable for all. The signature of the Vasarely Architectonic Foundation, a wide green hillock of giant steel panels, stands as a lasting symbol of this groundbreaking project.
Vasarely's "Polychrome City of Happiness" is more than just a collection of artworks; it is a vibrant, colorful urban space that encourages visual dialogue and fosters a sense of happiness and well-being for all who visit.
[1] "Victor Vasarely." Tate. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/victor-vasarely-1906-1997-hungarian-french-artist-13530
[3] "Vasarely's Polychrome City." Aix-en-Provence Tourism. https://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en/discover/vasarelys-polychrome-city
[5] "Vasarely, Victor." The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/vasc/hd_vasc.htm
- The "Polychrome City of Happiness," a vibrant urban space created by Victor Vasarely, offers a unique blend of art and entertainment, with numerous monumental works serving as points of celebration for both celebrities and everyday visitors.
- During the inauguration of the "Polychrome City of Happiness," the focus wasn't merely on the artists or celebrities present, but on the transformative power of art in creating a harmonious and engaging environment for everyone, stressing the importance of accessibility and enjoyment in Vasarely's vision.
