Victor Vasarely

Biography

Victor Vasarely and the Art of Tapestry: A New Dimension in Op’Art

Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) is an emblematic figure of Op’Art, recognized as the undisputed master of optical art. As early as 1951, he was exhibiting his work in Paris, notably at the Denise René gallery, a mecca for geometric and kinetic abstraction. It was in this innovative context that Vasarely turned to tapestry, when he came into contact with François Tabard, director of one of Aubusson’s most prestigious workshops. This meeting marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that lasted until 1976.

Vasarely’s choice of tapestry may come as a surprise, as this medium is traditionally associated with ancient techniques and aesthetics. However, for the artist, it was a unique opportunity to experiment with his concepts in a new way. His ambition was “to increase a dimension and develop his abstractions in space”, by integrating polychrome and sculptural functions into his textile works. For Vasarely, tapestry thus became an extension of his visual language, bringing a new materiality to his work.

At the heart of this approach, color plays a central role. Vasarely’s tapestries, created in collaboration with the Tabard workshop, exploit the exceptional skills of the dyers and colorists, revealing the workshop’s artisanal expertise. The works created are based on precise geometric networks, designed to generate a powerful visual impact and an illusion of movement, requiring specific technical mastery for each piece.

This collaboration enabled Vasarely to apply his kinetic research to the field of tapestry, enriching his work while opening up a new field of expression for this art form. Thanks to this partnership, tapestry has established itself as a contemporary medium, capable of translating the visual and optical innovations of Op’Art.

Today, the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence continues to perpetuate this legacy by exhibiting tapestries by the artist, testifying to the importance of this medium in his career. The 2022 retrospective at the Centre Pompidou also highlighted Vasarely’s major impact on modern art, by including one of his tapestries among the works on display.

Explore our collection of Victor Vasarely tapestries at Galerie Hadjer, and discover how the artist pushed the boundaries of Op’Art to transform the art of Aubusson tapestry, combining geometric mastery with innovative visual exploration.