The 1931-born German artist Heinz Mack, with Otto Piene, in 1958 founded the ZEROgroup, an influential avant-garde movement of the post World War II era. ZERO soughtto establish new aesthetic principles in a “ground Zero” situation for art and society after the war. The group grew to include a large network of artists around Europe whocame together to host temporary exhibitions and environments and publish manifestos.

Working around the world, Mack made important contributions beyond ZERO in light art, kinetic art, and op art. His career highlights include exhibitions at dOCUMENTA in 1964 and 1977, and at the Venice Biennale, in 1970, representing Germany.