"Signal," circa 1967-1971
Panayiotis "Takis" Vassilakis
1925-2019
"Signal," circa 1967-1971
Steel and found objects, electrified
Signed and inscribed in marker to the underside: Takis
113" H x 10" W x 10.125" D
Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY
David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above Notes: Better known as Takis, the artist's full name is Panayiotis Vassilakis.
Takis, born as Panayiotis Vassilakis in Athens, Greece, in 1925, was a prominent Greek artist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of kinetic art and sculpture. Throughout his career, Takis challenged conventional artistic practices and explored the relationship between art, science, and technology. His innovative works, characterized by their use of magnetism and motion, established him as a leading figure in the international art scene.
Growing up in Athens, Takis developed a deep fascination with science and technology from a young age. He pursued studies in physics and engineering at the University of Athens before moving to Paris in the early 1950s to pursue a career in art. It was there that he adopted the name "Takis" as his artistic identity.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Takis began creating his pioneering works of art that combined art with scientific principles. He experimented with various materials, but it was his use of magnetism that became his signature. Takis incorporated magnets and electromagnets into his sculptures, allowing for movement and interaction between the objects and their environment.
Takis' sculptures, often referred to as "Signals," consisted of suspended objects, metal rods, and wires activated by magnetic forces. The resulting works demonstrated a harmonious integration of technology and art, inviting viewers to engage with the invisible forces at play. His art aimed to tap into the energy of the universe and create a bridge between the material and the immaterial.
Takis gained international recognition for his innovative approach to art, and his works were exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. He participated in significant art movements, including Nouveau Réalisme and the Kinetic Art movement, alongside renowned artists such as Jean Tinguely, Yves Klein, and Alexander Calder.
Takis' influence on the art world extended beyond his own creations. He founded the "Research Center of the Arts and Sciences" in 1986, which served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaborations and exploration of the relationship between art and science. The center continues to operate today, promoting artistic innovation and education.
Throughout his long and prolific career, Takis received numerous accolades and honors, including the International Prize at the 1964 Venice Biennale. His artworks can be found in major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Takis passed away on August 9, 2019, in Athens, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and a profound impact on the field of kinetic art.
Condition: Overall good condition commensurate with age. Dust accumulation and oxidation to metal hardware. The paint with scattered chipping, cracking, scratches, and wear. The wood and Masonite base with a 2" chip to corner. The cord with heavy wear and losses to plastic housing, does not appear to be operational. Wiring should be checked by a qualified electrician prior to use. Moran's does not guarantee the working condition of electronic equipment.
Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
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Panayiotis "Takis" Vassilakis
1925-2019
"Signal," circa 1967-1971
Steel and found objects, electrified
Signed and inscribed in marker to the underside: Takis
113" H x 10" W x 10.125" D
Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY
David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above Notes: Better known as Takis, the artist's full name is Panayiotis Vassilakis.
Takis, born as Panayiotis Vassilakis in Athens, Greece, in 1925, was a prominent Greek artist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of kinetic art and sculpture. Throughout his career, Takis challenged conventional artistic practices and explored the relationship between art, science, and technology. His innovative works, characterized by their use of magnetism and motion, established him as a leading figure in the international art scene.
Growing up in Athens, Takis developed a deep fascination with science and technology from a young age. He pursued studies in physics and engineering at the University of Athens before moving to Paris in the early 1950s to pursue a career in art. It was there that he adopted the name "Takis" as his artistic identity.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Takis began creating his pioneering works of art that combined art with scientific principles. He experimented with various materials, but it was his use of magnetism that became his signature. Takis incorporated magnets and electromagnets into his sculptures, allowing for movement and interaction between the objects and their environment.
Takis' sculptures, often referred to as "Signals," consisted of suspended objects, metal rods, and wires activated by magnetic forces. The resulting works demonstrated a harmonious integration of technology and art, inviting viewers to engage with the invisible forces at play. His art aimed to tap into the energy of the universe and create a bridge between the material and the immaterial.
Takis gained international recognition for his innovative approach to art, and his works were exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. He participated in significant art movements, including Nouveau Réalisme and the Kinetic Art movement, alongside renowned artists such as Jean Tinguely, Yves Klein, and Alexander Calder.
Takis' influence on the art world extended beyond his own creations. He founded the "Research Center of the Arts and Sciences" in 1986, which served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaborations and exploration of the relationship between art and science. The center continues to operate today, promoting artistic innovation and education.
Throughout his long and prolific career, Takis received numerous accolades and honors, including the International Prize at the 1964 Venice Biennale. His artworks can be found in major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Takis passed away on August 9, 2019, in Athens, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and a profound impact on the field of kinetic art.
Condition: Overall good condition commensurate with age. Dust accumulation and oxidation to metal hardware. The paint with scattered chipping, cracking, scratches, and wear. The wood and Masonite base with a 2" chip to corner. The cord with heavy wear and losses to plastic housing, does not appear to be operational. Wiring should be checked by a qualified electrician prior to use. Moran's does not guarantee the working condition of electronic equipment.
Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
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