It was launched into the cultural stratosphere in the 1960s, and Op Art has been messing with our minds ever since.
It was launched into the cultural stratosphere in the 1960s, and Op Art has been messing with our minds ever since. This form of abstract art uses mathematical patterns to create optical illusions, ensnaring the viewer's perception with visually stimulating effects. Known as the grandfather of optical art, French-Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely painting ‘Zebras’ is considered by many art historians as one of the earliest examples of Op Art, but pioneers like Bridget Riley pushed the movement into the mainstream with stark black-and-white geometric patterns that seemed to move, pulse, and breathe.
Beyond aesthetics, these artworks represented a deeper exploration of human vision and psychology, teaching us how the eyes can be deceived. Op Art's legacy persists in modern graphic design, inspiring everything from bold advertising to user interfaces.