Untitled (Zodiac Costume Designs) - Otto Piene

A raw, expressive sketchbook spread by Otto Piene featuring conceptual costume designs for a zodiac-themed performance.

This sketchbook spread offers a glimpse into the creative process of Otto Piene, a co-founder of the ZERO group. The right page displays conceptual drawings for costumes intended to represent signs of the zodiac. Piene employs a direct, gestural style, using bold black outlines and saturated red fills to define the figures. The tall, pointed hats and geometric silhouettes reflect the artist's interest in performance and the theatrical potential of light and form. The left page features the ghost of a previous entry, where the word 'ZODIAC' and a circular star-like motif have bled through the paper. This accidental layering adds a layer of texture to the composition, revealing the physical nature of the artist's notebook. The contrast between the deliberate, expressive ink work on the right and the faint, reversed impression on the left creates a dialogue between intention and chance. Piene is recognised for his experiments with light, fire, and movement. These sketches demonstrate his ability to translate complex ideas into simple, graphic forms. The figures appear almost ritualistic, echoing the artist's fascination with cosmic themes and the elemental forces of nature. By capturing these initial thoughts, the work provides insight into the development of his performance-based projects. The raw, unrefined quality of the lines maintains the immediacy of the original moment of conception, making it a compelling piece for those interested in the working methods of mid-century avant-garde artists.