Op art is a modern art style that emerged in the 1960s, mainly in painting and graphics. It uses optical effects like moire patterns, optical illusions, and colour effects created by complementary colours. It has similarities with other modern art movements like minimalism and geometric abstraction, as well as colour-field painting.
Richard Anuszkiewicz, Bridget Riley, and Victor Vasarely were notable leaders in the op art movement during the 1960s. It was suggested the term “op” was used to distinguish this style from POP art, which was seen as a competitor. More likely, “op art” is a shortened version of “optical art”. It refers to art forms, such as paintings and sculptures, that use visual illusions and effects to play with the viewer’s perception. The term was coined by an anonymous writer in Time magazine on October 23rd, 1964, and has since become popularly used to describe two-dimensional art pieces with a strong psychological impact.
Op art had a significant impact on graphic and interior design, as its abstract visual effects were easily incorporated into advertisements and large, colourful wall paintings known as “SUPERGRAPHICS.” Despite its continuing presence in modern art, interest in op art has diminished since its heyday, making it seem like a historical event.
Sources
Pile, J. (1994). Dictionary of 20th-Century Design. Da Capo Press, Incorporated. https://doi.org/10.1604/9780306805691
Design Store
Books Op Art
Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs
Knit Socks for All Seasons: Fabulous, Fun Footwear for Any Time of Year
Op-Art Socks: Creative Effects in Sock Knitting
Op Art Adults Coloring Book: 50 Op Art Colouring Pages For Fun, Relaxation and Stress Relief | Best Gift For Girls And Boys
Op-Art Socks: Creative Effects in Sock Knitting
Visual Illusions Coloring Book (Dover Design Coloring Books)
Mystery Grid Art: Delightful Drawing Puzzles
Vertigo: Op Art and a History of Deception 1520 to 1970
Op Art and Visual Illusions CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)
Op Art: Writing Paper & Note Pad A4 (Multilingual Edition) (English, French and German Edition)
Geometrical Design Coloring Book (Dover Design Coloring Books)
Op Art: Greeting Card Set (Multilingual Edition) (English, Spanish, French and German Edition)
Big Book of Geometric Designs and Illusions to Color (Dover Design Coloring Books)
Op Art (A Studio book)
Mystery Grid Art - American Presidents
Op Art: Postcard Colouring Book (Multilingual Edition)
Nutcracker Art: 30 Nifty Nutcrackers for Coloring (Outside the Lines Coloring Designs)
Pop-Up Op-Art: Vasarely
Op Art Adults Coloring Book: 30 Op Art Coloring Pages For Fun, Relaxation and Stress Relief | Best Gift For Girls And Boys
Op Art Coloring Book (Dover Design Coloring Books)
Introducing Op Art
Art in the Primary School (Subjects in the Primary School)
Basic Penmanship
Calligraphy (Creative Crafts Paperbacks)
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