of 13/01/22 to 27/03/22
The Vasarely Foundation, Selfridges and Paco Rabanne unveil in London the great Victor Vasarely project, father of Op Art
from 13 January to 31 March 2022
Presentation
In partnership with the Vasarely Foundation and Paco Rabanne, Selfridges presents ‘Universe‘ in London, a tribute to the work of Op Art pioneer Victor Vasarely (1906 – 1997). The exhibition includes 55 works by Vasarely that have not been shown in the UK for over 50 years, 37 of which will be available for purchase, as well as a series of specially designed NFTs by London-based platform Substance. Funds raised will be donated exclusively to the Vasarely Foundation’s architectural centre in Aix-en-Provence, which houses 44 of the artist’s monumental integrations, to support the restoration of essential works of art.
The launch of the new Paco Rabanne ready-to-wear collection inspired by Vasarely
The project also celebrates the launch of Paco Rabanne’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection, for which creative director Julien Dossena was freely inspired by Vasarely’s work. Dossena worked closely with the Vasarely Foundation to re-imagine some of the iconic geometric patterns of Vasarely’s Op Art in printed fabrics, jacquards, chainmail and sequins. The new collection’s ready-to-wear and accessories will be launched throughout the season at Selfridges and available to buy or rent.
1973, 140 x 140 cm
Private collection
PACO RABANNE Spring/Summer 22 collection © Yannis Vlamos
Vasarely, an infinite source of inspiration for fashion and design
This multi-layered creative collaboration between a cultural institution, a fashion house and a retail brand uses Vasarely’s work as a source and catalyst for new creative ideas. The Selfridges buying team commissioned and selected fashion and home furnishings that use or are inspired by Vasarely’s design, including his 1969 series of screen prints entitled “Hommage à l’hexagone“.
At Selfridges Corner Shop, Vasarely’s Op Art is displayed on surfboards, skateboards, hand-painted watches from Bamford Watch Department and Globetrotter luggage. An edition of the Vasarely gift shop also features more than 50 derivative products displayed in a conceptual space hidden behind scaffolding made of aluminium, Rabanne and Vasarely’s favourite material.
“As Selfridges looks to the future, we continue to find inspiration in the past. With Victor Vasarely and Paco Rabanne, we have over fifty years of proposals for the future to explore. I love the idea of bringing Vasarely’s art into a social space like Selfridges, alongside Paco Rabanne’s distinct identity and using their vision as a way to create emotion and enable a connected experience.”.
Sebastian Manes, Executive Director of Purchasing and Merchandising, Selfridges
“The Vasarely Foundation is delighted to partner with Selfridges and Paco Rabanne to celebrate the work of Victor Vasarely and bring some of his most important works to London for the first time in over 50 years. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his death, Universe is a unique opportunity to introduce his work to a new audience. We are delighted to be able to bring together examples of his iconic work, including acrylics on canvas, ceramic and anodised aluminium works and tapestries that illustrate the breadth of his artistic universe.“
Pierre Vasarely, president of the Fondation Vasarely