ZERO @ Guggenheim, Transformative Works by Mack, Pienn & Uecker

ZERO is the art group founded by German artists Heinz Mack, Otto Piene & Gunther Uecker in the late 1950's-mid 60's.  The name was chosen as Piene explained to represent "a zone of silence and pure possibilities for a new beginning as the countdown when rockets take off." Together these artists experimented with paintings using fire, monochromatic color schemes and architectural forms on canvas & spatial relationships.  There are numerous works by Uecker.  His intriguing works entail hammered nails into canvases & structures producing an illusion of movement and strength.  Mack & Piene sculptures utilize both mechanical movement and reflective materials that create a kinetic sense & optical illusions.  The ingenious & arresting works by these three German artists maintain a contemporary aesthetic.  The exhibit represents works by 40 other artists from 10 other countries from the post WWII era.  The two other artists whose works stood out for me were, French artist Yves Klein's monochromatic blue paintings and Italian artist Enrico Castellani's architectual paintings.  The combined artwork from the group Zero exudes energy, strength & broached new frontiers.