Opus 46 1958

Hans Hinterreiter made this mathematical abstraction, Opus 46, using paint and a considered application of geometric principles. It's all about process, but not like splattering paint; instead, it's a step-by-step building of form and color. The color palette in Opus 46 is striking: reds, blacks, and whites create a sense of depth and movement. Look at how the shapes interlock, creating a complex pattern that feels both ordered and chaotic. The paint application is smooth, almost flat, which emphasizes the precision of the geometric forms. It makes me think of Sol Lewitt but with a warmer, more handmade touch. Notice that there is a repeated star-like shape. It pulls the eye around the image, and the longer you look, the more the image seems to subtly shift and vibrate. It’s this tension between control and freedom that makes Hinterreiter’s work so engaging, a reminder that art is always an experiment, an exploration of possibilities.