OP ART

1964 - 2009

“Trompe l’oeil,” or “fool the eye” paintings became popular at the beginning of the 20th century when a number of artists created hyper-realistic works that made it look like something was happening in a three-dimensional world. Pages of books looked as if they were just starting to turn. Objects appeared to hover over the canvas. But, Op Art took changing perspectives to a whole new level.

Op artists used geometric designs to create illusions. Much of Op Art is done in black and white since extreme contrast between colors was essential to creating optical illusions. 

Victor Vasarely began the movement as his paintings and sculptures began to stretch the boundaries of Kinetic Art. Looking back, the relationship between Kinetic Art and Pop Art is obvious. Both movements explored ways to excite and even confuse the eye.

The popularity of Op Art from the mid-1950s to the 1960s was reflected in fashion as new fabrics and printing techniques allowed for brightly-colored patterns on clothing, accessories, and home décor products.