An exhibition at Mazzoleni Art is embroiled in a longstanding and torrid dispute between members of Vasarely’s family
In October, the commercial gallery Mazzoleni Art opened an exhibition of early geometric works by the Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely at its London location. Einstein in the Sky with Diamonds shines a light on the “the father of Op art”, whose illusionist works became synonymous with the 1970s.
However, the Vasarely Foundation in France is accusing the gallery of selling works by the artist which they say legally belong to them, as well as printing them in their catalogue without the foundation’s consent. The foundation alleges that Mazzoleni is offering two works that it owns, and a further eight which belong to Vasarely’s family. The gallery maintains that it is selling works consigned by another member of Vasarely’s family, who is not associated with the Vasarely Foundation. The foundation has long accused this family member of having stolen works from the artist’s heirs over the years.
