Artist Mack (95): Only in the mirror am I still young - Heinz Mack at 95: The Last Visionary of the ZERO Movement Still Shaping Art

Heinz Mack, a pioneering figure in post-war art, will celebrate his 95th birthday on March 8. As one of the last surviving members of the ZERO movement, he remains active in his studio and maintains a daily gymnastics routine. His works, from light rotors to shimmering steles, continue to define an era of artistic innovation.

Mack co-founded the ZERO group in the late 1950s alongside Otto Piene, with Günther Uecker joining later. The movement sought a radical break from tradition, offering a fresh start that still influences artists today. Now, with Piene and Uecker both deceased, Mack stands as one of the last witnesses to that transformative period.

His iconic pieces—Lichtrotoren, Gitter, Farbprismen—have been displayed worldwide, from the Centre Pompidou in Paris to the Louisiana Museum in Denmark. In recent decades, many of his works have found a home at his own Siggio Art Park in Bad Münstereifel, Germany, as well as in major exhibitions like documenta in Kassel.

Despite his age, Mack does not consider himself old. He notes the practical reminders—dentures, hearing aids, reading glasses—but insists he feels no different. He works in his studio every morning and evening, determined to stay independent. Though he accepts the possibility of living to 100, he has no fear of death. His main concern is avoiding becoming a burden to his younger wife or daughter.

The artist's resilience extends beyond his work. A strict daily gymnastics routine keeps him physically active, while his creative output remains undiminished. His pieces, known for their geometric precision and interplay of light, continue to captivate audiences decades after their creation.

Mack's 95th birthday marks not just a personal milestone but a testament to the enduring legacy of ZERO. His art, still exhibited globally, bridges the past and present of modern creativity. With his unwavering routine and sharp mind, he remains a living link to one of art history's most daring movements.