The Future Belongs to Us: A sale benefiting the Vasarely Foundation

On March 21st, Artcurial will hold an auction in partnership with the Vasarely Foundation, under the patronage of Jean Dominique Senard. Held in Aix-en-Provence at the Foundation, this event will honor the visionary work of Victor Vasarely as well as those of contemporary artists who specialize in optical and kinetic art. All the funds raised will be dedicated to the scientific and cultural project of the institution, as well as to the restoration of its monumental works.

This auction is an unmissable event for the friends of the Vasarely Foundation and collectors from around the world, who will have the opportunity to acquire exceptional works while supporting this public utility foundation.

Victor Vasarely, the pioneer of optical art, has become an essential figure in the genre. Highlighted during this exceptional sale, the public will have the pleasure of discovering original works, screenprints, as well as a series of multiples signed by the artist.

Among the key pieces is Arcturus II, an iconic work created in 1964-1965, named after one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Exhibited at the Sidney Janis Gallery in New York and the Denise René Gallery in Paris, this piece showcases the artist’s bold creativity and exploration of optical illusions. In creating this acrylic on canvas, Victor Vasarely expanded his research in the 1960s, blending form and color permutations in a complex visual combination. This innovative process opens an infinite range of possibilities using the chromatic and geometric scales that he defined with precision. A remarkable set of multiples and screenprints will complete this sale. Through his editions, the artist aimed to make art accessible to all. 

“We are delighted to partner with this auction in support of the Vasarely Foundation, which promotes the preservation and legacy of the work of one of the most influential creators of his time: Victor Vasarely. The Foundation is now a well-known and recognized institution of the creation of the second half of the 20th century, and it is natural for Artcurial to support its artistic activities.”
– Arnaud Oliveux, Auctioneer at Artcurial 

Original works and multiples by Barna Benedek, Damien Beneteau, Lucien Bitaux, Miguel Chevalier, Carlos Cruz Diez, Félicie d’Estienne d’Orves, István Halmi-Horváth, Zsuzsanna Korodi, András Mengyán, Etienne Rey, Vera Röhm, Jesús Rafael Soto, and Victor Vasarely will be offered for sale, honoring the visionary work of the father of optical and kinetic art. Couleur Additive Orion, created in 2017 by Carlos Cruz Diez, will also be auctioned (estimate €8,500). This work explores the interaction between color, light, and perception, offering the viewer a dynamic and participatory experience where the color evolves based on their movements and the light source — a central theme in the artist’s work and his influence on contemporary art.

Other artists will support the Foundation during this auction on March 21st, including Vera Röhm, who will offer Rhythmus 600, 25 steles, 1990/2016, one of her sculptures made of oxidized steel and plexiglass, a 1/20 scale reproduction of the monumental sculpture currently installed in the Vasarely Foundation park (esimate €12,000). Damien Beneteau, whose work explores light, space, and perception, will present Relief E – Étude Bleue (estimate €1,500). Also available will be Martian Sunset, a unique work by Félicie d’Estienne d’Orves created in 2019 (estimate €1,500), Floud – Figure de Delaunay and Figure de Young, created in 2019 and 2024 by the artist Etienne Rey (estimate €7,000 and €4,000). 

The Vasarely Foundation is a private institution funded by Victor and Claire Vasarely and was recognized as a public utility in 1971. Inaugurated in 1976, the architectural center houses 44 monumental works by Victor Vasarely integrated into the building, as well as 568 original studies on art and architecture, all within a cell-like environment. Located to the west of Aix-en-Provence in the Jas-de-Bouffan district, it hosts temporary exhibitions and other cultural events (conferences, concerts, workshops) every year. The building, a work of art in itself, was classified as a historical monument in 2013 and became officially a Museum of France in 2020. 
Since 2019, the Foundation has closely collaborated with the Centre Pompidou, notably through major exhibitions and scientific and artistic exchanges. This partnership reflects a shared ambition to disseminate and enhance the work of Vasarely while strengthening the bridges between heritage and contemporary creation. 

Browse Auction Catalogue

Exhibition
From March 14, 2025. Except Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am- 6pm

Vasarely Foundation
1 avenue Marcel Pagnol
13090 Aix-en-Provence 

Auction
Friday, March 21, 2025 at 8pm

Fondation Vasarely  
1 avenue Marcel Pagnol
13090 Aix-en-Provence