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Op Art Abstract Paintings

OP ART STYLE

The Op art movement emerged in the 1960s, mirroring the counterculture of the time in its embrace of visual trickery, graphic shapes and bright colors.

Spreading across Europe and the Americas, the style — whose name is short for “optical art” — influenced advertising, fashion and interior design before fading in the early ’70s.

Op art remained significant, however, for artists and scientists interested in the nature of perception. And today, it’s seeing a resurgence of interest from collectors and interior designers.

Op artists played with the principles of perception, manipulating line, shape, patterns and color to create the illusion of depth and movement. They drew on and evolved methods developed by past movements, from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism, to produce intense visual experiences.

All the Op artists shared a focus on the gap between what is and what we perceive. Each, however, had a distinct approach to the issue and a unique visual style.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Op art that includes works by Josef Albers, Bridget Riley, Jesús Rafael Soto and more.

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Style: Op Art
Geometric Abstract Original Oil on Canvas 1980s
Geometric Abstract Original Oil on Canvas 1980s

Geometric Abstract Original Oil on Canvas 1980s

Located in Soquel, CA

Geometric Abstract Original Oil on Canvas 1980s This unknown artist expertly explores the tension between bold physical presence and quiet, open space. Dominated by deep, matte black...

Category

1990s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Classic Blue Silk Movement, Abstract Fabric Gestures, Contemporary Cyanotype
Classic Blue Silk Movement, Abstract Fabric Gestures, Contemporary Cyanotype

Classic Blue Silk Movement, Abstract Fabric Gestures, Contemporary Cyanotype

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. Details: + Title: Classic Blue Silk Movement nº1 + Year: 2024 + Edition Size: 100 + Medium: Cyanotype Print on Watercolor Paper + Stamped and Certificate of Authenticity provided + Measurements : 70x100 cm (28x 40 in.), a standard frame size + All cyanotype prints are made on high-quality Italian watercolor paper WHAT IS A CYANOTYPE? The cyanotype (a.k.a. sun-print) process is one of the oldest in the history of photography, dating back to the 1840's. Cyanotypes were then made famous by Anna Atkins...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Lithograph

Jewel coloured vibrant op art abstract geometric painting French 1960s
Jewel coloured vibrant op art abstract geometric painting French 1960s

Jewel coloured vibrant op art abstract geometric painting French 1960s

Located in Norwich, GB

A fabulous example of 1960s geometric/op art, displaying all the fun, playfulness and vibrancy of the style. Op art, short for optical art, is a style of visual art that uses optical illusions. Typically, they give the viewer the impression of movement, hidden images and vibrating patterns. Its roots can be traced back to Cubism, Futurism, Constructivism and Dada. The maker of this stunning piece is Tony Gonnet (1909-2004) an artist close to those who shaped modern art and its history. Working in Casablanca in 1940 he met André Breton and Saint-Exupéry, who were both on their way to America. Unable to obtain a visa for himself, Gonnet returned to Paris in January of 1942. Living on Rue de Seine, he became one of the figures of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and numbered amongst his many friends Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Genet – who prefaced his first Parisian exhibition in 1952 – as well as Albert Camus, Simone Signoret, Boris Vian, Jacques and Pierre Prévert and many others. In 1941, in the ennui of Casablanca, Tony Gonnet had started to draw, and then paint, in a Surrealist style. In 1946 he abandoned figurative surrealism in favour of abstraction, making sole use from then on of geometric forms and shaded tones, in his own unique style. His works aim to achieve harmony of shapes and colours, and thus to bring joy. Tony Gonnet loved life, and said that each of his works was an offering made to it. With solo shows in major Paris galleries...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Twist & the Rain Mid-Century OpArt Geometric Painting by Cleveland School artist
Twist & the Rain Mid-Century OpArt Geometric Painting by Cleveland School artist

Twist & the Rain Mid-Century OpArt Geometric Painting by Cleveland School artist

By Julian Stanczak

Located in Beachwood, OH

Julian Stanczak (American, 1928-2017) Twist and the Rain, 1975 acrylic on canvas signed verso 30 x 24 inches Julian Stanczak (American, b. November 5, 1928) was an American painter...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Exit, Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Op Art, 2010s, Unframed
Exit, Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Op Art, 2010s, Unframed

Exit, Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Op Art, 2010s, Unframed

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Step into the mesmerizing world of EXIT, the original acrylic painting on canvas meticulously crafted and shaped by the divine proportions of the golden rectangle. Inspired by the Re...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Line Study For Angles and Curves, Duo of Art Deco Shapes, Pastel Palette Rouge
Line Study For Angles and Curves, Duo of Art Deco Shapes, Pastel Palette Rouge

Line Study For Angles and Curves, Duo of Art Deco Shapes, Pastel Palette Rouge

By Natalia Roman

Located in Barcelona, ES

These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art Deco shapes of the 30's, 40's and 50's. The subtle but chic color combinations will combine beautifully with both vintage and modern furniture without overtaking spaces that are carefully crafted by designers. Natalia Roman was born in 1984 in Girona, Spain. She has exhibited in galleries across Europe and her colorful, abstract paintings are part of private collections all over the world. Details: Title: Line Study...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Double Focus II Mid-Century OpArt Abstract Geometric painting, Cleveland school
Double Focus II Mid-Century OpArt Abstract Geometric painting, Cleveland school

Double Focus II Mid-Century OpArt Abstract Geometric painting, Cleveland school

By Julian Stanczak

Located in Beachwood, OH

Julian Stanczak (American, 1928-2017) Double Focus II, 1963 acrylic on canvas signed and dated verso 33 x 40 inches Julian Stanczak (American, b. November 5, 1928) was an American ...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Richard Anuszkiewicz Metallic Water 1960s Op Art painting Art Institute Chicago
Richard Anuszkiewicz Metallic Water 1960s Op Art painting Art Institute Chicago

Richard Anuszkiewicz Metallic Water 1960s Op Art painting Art Institute Chicago

By Richard Anuszkiewicz

Located in New York, NY

Richard Anuszkiewicz Metallic Water, 1964 Painting with Liquitex on canvas. (1964 Art Institute of Chicago Exhibition and J.L. Hudson Gallery) Signed boldly and dated 1964 on the ver...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Canvas

Art Deco Pastel Mirrors, Turquoise and Pink Geometric Tiles Patterns, Symmetry
Art Deco Pastel Mirrors, Turquoise and Pink Geometric Tiles Patterns, Symmetry

Art Deco Pastel Mirrors, Turquoise and Pink Geometric Tiles Patterns, Symmetry

By Natalia Roman

Located in Barcelona, ES

These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art Deco shapes of the 30's, 40's and 50's. The subtle but chic color combinations will combine beautifully with both vintage and modern furniture without overtaking spaces that are carefully crafted by designers. Natalia Roman was born in 1984 in Girona, Spain. She has exhibited in galleries across Europe and her colorful, abstract paintings are part of private collections all over the world. Details: Title: Art Deco Pastel...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Pieces Falling into Place - Geometric Op-Art in Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych)
Pieces Falling into Place - Geometric Op-Art in Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych)

Pieces Falling into Place - Geometric Op-Art in Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych)

Located in Soquel, CA

Pieces Falling into Place - Geometric Op-Art in Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych) This geometric triptych by Ralph Berko (American, b. 1950) features vividly colored prisms suspended ove...

Category

Late 20th Century Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Night Nurse, Large Magritte-like Surreal Painting by Backstrom aka Beck o Jung
Night Nurse, Large Magritte-like Surreal Painting by Backstrom aka Beck o Jung

Night Nurse, Large Magritte-like Surreal Painting by Backstrom aka Beck o Jung

By Holger Bäckström

Located in Long Island City, NY

An oil painting by Holger Bäckström from 1979. A mixed media collage and oil painting produced by the company Beck & Jung, a collaborative duo between Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg in the 1960's-70's. Their emphasis on highly designed optical art-style is eminent in the objects produced from Beck & Jung. Artist: Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg (aka Beck & Jung), Scandanavian (1939 - 1997 and 2007) Title: Night Nurse...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

In the Cannon's Mouth
In the Cannon's Mouth

In the Cannon's Mouth

By Peter Mack

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Peter Mack Title: In the Cannon's Mouth Year: circa 1980 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 60 x 60 in. (152.4 x 152.4 cm)

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Acid-Wave
Acid-Wave

Acid-Wave

By Omar Rayo

Located in New York, NY

Striking 3-dimensional acrylic and wood on canvas sculpture by renowned Colombian painter an sculptor, Omar Rayo. Signed, titled, inscribed "New Yo...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Acrylic

Target, Large Geometric Painting by Kyohei Inukai 1968
Target, Large Geometric Painting by Kyohei Inukai 1968

Target, Large Geometric Painting by Kyohei Inukai 1968

By Kyohei Inukai

Located in Long Island City, NY

An large acrylic painting by Kyohei Inukai from 1968. An abstract optical image with contrasting blue and red hues. Artist: Kyohei Inukai, American (1913 - 1985) Title: Target Yea...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Op Art 1971 Kinetic Oil Painting Pop Art Artist Josef Levi
Op Art 1971 Kinetic Oil Painting Pop Art Artist Josef Levi

Op Art 1971 Kinetic Oil Painting Pop Art Artist Josef Levi

By Josef Levi

Located in Surfside, FL

Hand signed and dated verso Josef Alan Levi (1938) is an American artist whose works range over a number of different styles, but which are unified by certain themes consistently pr...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Richard Anuszkiewicz, Soft Blue
Richard Anuszkiewicz, Soft Blue

Richard Anuszkiewicz, Soft Blue

By Richard Anuszkiewicz

Located in Madrid, ES

RICHARD ANUSZKIEWICZ American, 1930 - 2020 SOFT BLUE signed, dated and numbered “© RICHARD ANUSZKIEWICZ / 1984 / 737” (on the reverse) acrylic on canvas 48 x 60 inches (122 x 152.5 c...

Category

1980s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Estructuras Espacio - Temporales Shetam, OP Art Painting by Enrique Careaga
Estructuras Espacio - Temporales Shetam, OP Art Painting by Enrique Careaga

Estructuras Espacio - Temporales Shetam, OP Art Painting by Enrique Careaga

By Enrique Careaga

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Enrique Careaga, Paraguay (1944 - ) Title: Estructuras Espacio - Temporales Shetam 8120137 Date: October 27th, 1981 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, titled and dated ver...

Category

1980s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Curved Dimensions, Abstract OpArt Geometrical, Mid-Century Cleveland Artist
Curved Dimensions, Abstract OpArt Geometrical, Mid-Century Cleveland Artist

Curved Dimensions, Abstract OpArt Geometrical, Mid-Century Cleveland Artist

By Edwin Mieczkowski

Located in Beachwood, OH

Edwin Mieczkowski (American, 1929-2017) Curved Dimensions, 1965 Acrylic on board Signed, dated and titled verso 30 x 29.75 inches Edwin Mieczkowski, born in Pittsburgh, was a leader of geometric and perceptual abstraction during the latter part of the 20th century. Mieczkowski's work first came to prominence in "The Responsive Eye" exhibition, the nation's first major exhibition of perceptual art, held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1965. Mieczkowski was also featured in the 1964 article in Timemagazine that first used the term "Op Art" to describe paintings that manipulated visual cues in order to reorder and excite viewers' perceptual responses. With a complex aesthetic that over time has transcended mere tricks of optical art, Mieczkowski has spent nearly four decades producing geometrically paintings, drawings and sculptures, a genre of modern art that is known broadly as perceptual abstraction. His output of static and dynamic forms create a body of work, still largely intact, that uses visually disorienting, meticulously arranged lines, dazzling kaleidoscopic colors, and alluring juxtapositions of hue and tone, to playfully and seductively present new challenges for the viewer's eyes. The desired result is an optical effect of perpetual motion, harmonics and rhythm. . . . Along with Frank Hewitt and Ernst Benkert, Mieczkowski was a co-founder in 1959 of the Anonima* group that worked together in Cleveland and New York and declared itself free from the pressures of the art market and the pursuit of personal fame. Members of Anonima often left their works unsigned and vowed to shun the usual art market venues such as commercial galleries, biennials and competitions. Instead, they engaged in a rigorous, self-imposed program of painting exercises to explore the effects of geometry and color on visual perception. Although Mieczkowski's work hung side-by-side in the MOMA "Responsive Eye" exhibition with such colleagues as Josef Albers, Victor Vasarely, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, Carlos Cruz...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Atmosphère Chromoplastique N.246 - Acrylic on Wood by L. Tomasello -
Atmosphère Chromoplastique N.246 - Acrylic on Wood by L. Tomasello -

Atmosphère Chromoplastique N.246 - Acrylic on Wood by L. Tomasello -

Located in Roma, IT

This great work is a part of the Collection ‘Atmosphères chromoplastiques’ which was realized by Tomasello in the mid-1970s, during his stay in Paris and at the very center of the OP...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Cityscape Kinetic Optical Op Art Painting on Plexiglass by L.L. Long
Cityscape Kinetic Optical Op Art Painting on Plexiglass by L.L. Long

Cityscape Kinetic Optical Op Art Painting on Plexiglass by L.L. Long

Located in Atlanta, GA

A bold and visually kinetic Op Art geometric cityscape by L. L. Long, created in 1980 and signed "L.L. Long – 80" in the lower right corner. Executed in reverse spray paint on Lucite...

Category

1980s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Plexiglass, Spray Paint

Abstract Geometric Tile Pattern Op-Art in Blues and Silver - Acrylic on Canvas
Abstract Geometric Tile Pattern Op-Art in Blues and Silver - Acrylic on Canvas

Abstract Geometric Tile Pattern Op-Art in Blues and Silver - Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Soquel, CA

Abstract Geometric Tile Pattern Op-Art in Blues and Silver - Acrylic on Canvas Geometric Op Art in blues and silver by an unknown artist. There are four distinct variations of a geo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

The Edge V (Op Art plexiglass box wall sculpture)
The Edge V (Op Art plexiglass box wall sculpture)

The Edge V (Op Art plexiglass box wall sculpture)

By Mon Levinson

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Mon Levinson (1926-2014). The Edge V, 1965. Plexiglass, acetate and paper. 24 x 24 x 3 inches. Minor scuffing on surface of plexiglass. Original gallery label affixed en verso. Unsig...

Category

1960s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Plexiglass, Paper

Horizon Original Op Art Painting
Horizon Original Op Art Painting

Horizon Original Op Art Painting

By Marko Spalatin

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Horizon Original Op Art Painting 1978 Artist signed and dated. Marko Spalatin (American, Born 1945). An original Modern Abstract Op-Art oil painting on canvas. Titled "Horizon". Featuring colors of white, yellow, orange, green, purple, and blue. Signed and dated 1978 with title on verso. Mounted on wood stretcher. Provenance: 11/10/2007 Ivey-Selkirk Auction, LOT 775. PERMANENT COLLECTIONS Musée d'Art Moderne — Paris, France Museum of Modern Art — New York, New York Tate Gallery — London, England Bibliothèque National — Paris, France Victoria & Albert Museum — London, England Library of Congress — Washington, D.C. Museum of Contemporary Art — Chicago, Illinois Metropolitan Museum — Manila, Philippines Philadelphia Museum of Art — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The Butler Institute of American Art — Youngstown, Ohio Museum of Modern Art — Belgrade, Yugoslavia Milwaukee Art Museum...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Red Blue Variations, OP Art Acrylic Painting by Roy Ahlgren
Red Blue Variations, OP Art Acrylic Painting by Roy Ahlgren

Red Blue Variations, OP Art Acrylic Painting by Roy Ahlgren

By Roy Ahlgren

Located in Long Island City, NY

An acrylic painting by Roy Ahlgren circa 1970. A geometric abstract painting utilizing bright contrasting color blocks in a modern form. Signed verso, unframed. Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Red Blue Variations...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

"splash" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
"splash" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas

"splash" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas

By Charles David Francis

Located in Soquel, CA

"splash" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Bold abstract splatter composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Layers of pa...

Category

Late 20th Century Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Abstract Geometric Composition in White, Red and Blue Original Acrylic on Board
Abstract Geometric Composition in White, Red and Blue Original Acrylic on Board

Abstract Geometric Composition in White, Red and Blue Original Acrylic on Board

By Robert William Hinds

Located in Soquel, CA

Abstract Geometric Composition in White, Red and Blue Original Acrylic on Board Bold abstract composition by Robert William Hinds (American, b. 1926). This composition is brushed wh...

Category

1990s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Trama - geometric abstract painting
Trama - geometric abstract painting

Trama - geometric abstract painting

By Roberto Lucchetta

Located in New York, NY

This hand painted piece by Lucchetta is part of the op art series where he is able to catch movement with his unique technique. Lucchetta is challenging himself. His precise stable h...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic

Princess Snow White Op Art
Princess Snow White Op Art

Princess Snow White Op Art

By Pawel Wasowski

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Princess Snow White Op Art acrylic on canvas. Size 39x39x1 In 1999 artist Pawel Wasowski got his diploma and in 2008, doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Architecture at the Uni...

Category

2010s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled I, Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting on Graph Paper by David Roth
Untitled I, Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting on Graph Paper by David Roth

Untitled I, Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting on Graph Paper by David Roth

By David Roth

Located in Long Island City, NY

This painting was created by American artist David Roth. Roth's images are proportioned according to a strict mathematical formula - the pictures are composed according to horizontal and vertical divisions on the graph paper...

Category

1970s Op Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Op Art abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Op Art abstract paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add abstract paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of purple, blue, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Stan Slutsky, Melisa Taylor Metzger, Ferruccio Gard, and Roberto Lucchetta. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Acrylic Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Op Art abstract paintings, so small editions measuring 4.73 inches across are also available. Prices for abstract paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $340 and tops out at $350,000, while the average work sells for $3,675.