As I drove down Avenue Marcel Pagnol in Aix-en-Provence on a sunny French afternoon, the Vasarely Foundation emerged dramatically against the landscape. The black-and-white geometric structure stood in striking contrast to the organic shapes and vibrant colors of its surroundings. From the photos I’d seen online, I assumed it was a sculpture, but it turned out to be an entire building—massive and captivating.
Stepping inside, I was immediately immersed in a mesmerizing geometric world. From intimate drawings to monumental wall installations, I explored the vibrant interplay of shapes and colors.
It wasn’t until I wandered down a staircase and casually passed a standard evacuation sign that I realized, to my delight, I was standing within the largest masterpiece: a building composed of interconnected hexagonal forms.
Victor Vasarely (1906–1997), a Hungarian-French artist and pioneer of the Op-Art movement, established the Vasarely Foundation in 1976 to bring his vision of “art for all” to life. Today, the foundation serves as a museum dedicated to his groundbreaking creations. Using simple geometric shapes and vivid colors, Vasarely crafted bold works that challenge perception and depth. One of the most striking aspects of the visit was witnessing how his smaller works of art evolved into expansive, immersive masterpieces.
All photos above: Swain McCaughrin
Visit the Vasarely Foundation website to see more.