Artist Mack (95): Only in the mirror am I still young - Heinz Mack turns 95, still shaping art and defying age

Heinz Mack, a pioneering figure in post-war art, will celebrate his 95th birthday on March 8. As one of the last surviving members of the ZERO movement, he remains active—both in his creative work and his daily gymnastics routine at 94.

Mack co-founded the ZERO group in Düsseldorf with Otto Piene in the late 1950s. Günther Uecker later joined them. The movement sought a radical break from tradition, offering a fresh start in art that still influences creators today.

ZERO gained global recognition through major exhibitions. These included Documenta in Kassel, a New York showcase hosted by David Rockefeller, and the Grand Prize at the IV Biennale San Marino. Mack's own works—light rotors, grids, and mirror objects—became classics of the era. Today, his pieces and those of his co-founders appear in around 400 exhibitions worldwide, from the Mack Foundation in Mönchengladbach to the Gulbransson-Museum in Tegernsee.

Despite his age, Mack refuses to slow down. He jokes about the physical changes that come with getting older but insists he doesn't feel old. He has no fear of death, even playfully suggesting he could live to 100. Yet, he is firm about one thing: he never wants to become a burden to his family.

Mack's legacy spans decades, from shaping the ZERO movement to maintaining an energetic lifestyle today. His art continues to be exhibited internationally, ensuring his influence endures. As he approaches 95, his sharp mind and daily discipline reflect a life still fully engaged.