Viking Eggeling
Viking Eggeling (1880–1925) was a Swedish avant-garde artist and filmmaker, considered a key figure in the development of abstract art and experimental cinema. Born in Lund, Sweden, he initially studied art history in Milan before moving to Paris, where he became influenced by Cubism. In 1918, Eggeling became involved with the Dada movement in Zürich, collaborating with artists like Hans Richter. Eggeling’s exploration of geometric abstraction and his efforts to combine visual art with musical rhythm were groundbreaking for both art and cinema.
Eggeling’s most renowned work is his 1924 film "Symphonie Diagonale," a pioneering abstract film that explores the movement of geometric forms in rhythmic patterns, establishing him as a key figure in the history of experimental cinema. In addition to his work in film, Eggeling created "picture rolls," a series of painted images on long rolls of paper that explore the transformation of geometric shapes. These works reflect his interest in a universal visual language, combining both visual art and music. His contributions to abstraction and experimental film have had a lasting influence on modern art.
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Full Name: Viking Eggeling
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Birth and Death: 1880–1925
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Profession: Artist, Filmmaker
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Notable Works: "Symphonie Diagonale" (1924)
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Art Movements: Dada, Constructivism, Abstract Art
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Legacy: A pioneer in abstract cinema and visual music, Eggeling’s work continues to influence modern art and experimental film
