Imphy – HK Possibly 1956

Victor Vasarely made 'Imphy-HK' using the language of geometric abstraction. This visual vocabulary, popular across Europe and the Americas in the mid-20th century, was often associated with utopian social ideals. Made without reference to the natural world, Vasarely’s work sought a universal language, one that could speak across cultures. The hard-edged forms and stark contrast of black and white lend the image a machine-made quality. The picture seems to vibrate on the canvas. Vasarely's background in graphic design, and his keen interest in industrial production, put him in line with artists who wanted to break down traditional hierarchies of art, and who embraced modern technology and design. To fully appreciate Vasarely's art, we need to understand the social and cultural context in which it was made. We can start by exploring exhibition catalogs and the writings of critics who championed geometric art.