New Tendencies
International art movement and exhibitions exploring systemic, kinetic, and programmed art.
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Narrative
New Tendencies emerged in the post-World War II era, seeking fresh artistic expressions beyond subjective abstraction and traditional easel painting. It fostered innovation through rigorous international collaboration, systematic research into visual perception, and the embrace of nascent technologies and scientific principles in art. The movement rejected the notion of individual artistic genius, instead promoting collective, experimental approaches often involving reproducible systems and algorithms.
Spurred by groups like EXAT-51 in Zagreb and GRAV in Paris, the movement aimed to develop a universal, objective language of art, accessible to a broader public. It served as a critical response to the perceived limitations and commercialism of existing art institutions and markets, promoting a non-commercial, research-oriented methodology. The biennial exhibitions in Zagreb were pivotal forums for showcasing and developing these groundbreaking ideas.
Key People
Initiators/Organizers
- Matko Meštrović
- Božo Bek
Key Members/Exhibiting Artists
- Ivan Picelj
- Almir Mavignier
- François Morellet
- Julio Le Parc
- Victor Vasarely
- Getulio Alviani
- Uli Pohl
- Karl Gerstner
- Enzo Mari
- Giovanni Anceschi
- Manfredo Massironi
- Lucia Di Luciano
- Franz-Erhard Walther
- Heinz Mack
- Otto Piene
- Günther Uecker
Breakthroughs
- New Tendencies Exhibitions (1961-1973): A seminal series of international art exhibitions held in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, which served as a primary platform for artists exploring kinetic, op, programmed, and conceptual art. These biennials were crucial in defining and promoting systemic art, moving beyond traditional art forms by embracing new technologies and scientific principles in artistic creation.
- Systemic Art: The development and widespread promotion of art forms based on objective, repeatable systems and algorithms, often incorporating optical illusions, movement, and light. This methodological approach challenged subjective artistic expression and emphasized the viewer's active participation and engagement with the artwork.
- Computer Art/Algorithmic Art: Early exploration and exhibition of art created using computers and algorithmic processes, notably in the later Tendencies 4 and 5 exhibitions. This pioneering work pushed the boundaries of art-making into the digital realm, laying groundwork for future digital and new media art.
Related Entities
Influenced By
- EXAT-51: A Zagreb-based artistic group, which included members like Ivan Picelj, whose exploration of constructivist and abstract art laid foundational groundwork for the systematic approaches embraced by New Tendencies.
- GRAV (Groupe de Recherche d'Art Visuel): A Parisian collective, featuring artists such as François Morellet and Julio Le Parc, focused on kinetic art, light, and viewer participation, aligning closely with New Tendencies' experimental ethos.
- Zero Group: A group of German artists, including Heinz Mack, Otto Piene, and Günther Uecker, who explored light, movement, and monochrome painting, significantly influencing the kinetic and optical aspects of New Tendencies.
- Gruppo N: An Italian artistic group that explored programmed art and visual perception, contributing to the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systemic art.
- Gruppo T: Another Italian group focusing on kinetic art and the dynamic interaction between art and technology, sharing experimental goals with New Tendencies.
Hosted By
- Gallery of Contemporary Art, Zagreb: The primary institutional venue that hosted and organized the influential New Tendencies exhibitions.
Key Publications/Journals
- Bit International: A significant journal published by the Zagreb Gallery of Contemporary Art in conjunction with the New Tendencies movement, dedicated to discussions and works in new media and computer art.