Composite c. 1970s

Victor Vasarely’s explorations in the field of Op Art are exemplified in his piece Composite, an intriguing intersection of color and form. Vasarely emerged in a post-war period marked by reconstruction, and a need for new visual languages. His art proposes a universal visual language which sought to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. The geometric abstraction, devoid of explicit cultural symbols, mirrors an aspiration to create a level playing field, echoing the utopian ideals prevalent during this epoch. However, this apparent neutrality also raises questions about accessibility and elitism in art. The hard edges and mathematical precision could be seen to reflect a masculine-dominated field of science and technology. The vibrant colors, layered with intention, evoke a sense of depth and dynamism, inviting a personal, emotional interpretation, while also making you question: what does it mean to communicate without cultural reference? Composite encapsulates the tension between utopian ideals and complex social realities.