Otto Piene

Otto Piene was a German artist born on April 18, 1928, in Laasphe, Germany, and he passed away on July 17, 2014, in Berlin, Germany. He was a prominent figure in the ZERO art movement, which he co-founded in 1957 alongside Heinz Mack. Piene's work is characterized by his innovative use of light and movement, often incorporating elements such as fire and smoke to create dynamic, ephemeral art pieces. His contributions to kinetic and environmental art have been influential, particularly through his exploration of technology and nature in art. Piene served as the director of the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1974 to 1994, where he furthered interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and scientists. His legacy is marked by his pioneering spirit and his commitment to expanding the boundaries of contemporary art.