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Op Art

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
Untitled Mod Op Art 1967 Painting on Silk
Untitled Mod Op Art 1967 Painting on Silk

Untitled Mod Op Art 1967 Painting on Silk

By Henry Pearson

Located in Surfside, FL

Label from Obelisk Gallery verso. Henry C. Pearson (October 8, 1914 – December 3, 2006) was an American abstract and modernist painter. Pearson was born in Kinston, North Carolina, ...

Category

1960s Op Art

Materials

Silk, Paper, Mixed Media

Original Op Art Abstract Color Screenprint "Planetary Folklore" Signed #2/250
Original Op Art Abstract Color Screenprint "Planetary Folklore" Signed #2/250

Original Op Art Abstract Color Screenprint "Planetary Folklore" Signed #2/250

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Portland, OR

A Op Art abstract color screenprint, "Planetary Folklore" 1968, by Victor Vasarely (1906-1997). This very striking work by Vasarely is comprised of various colorful geometric shapes, the work is signed lower right "Vasarely" and numbered lower left "2/250. This is an early and crisp impression in excellent condition and housed under glass in a gilt & silvered hardwood frame. This very eye-catching work by one of the 20th century's leading Op artists is ready to hang on your wall. 14" x 14.50" at sight without frame Numered 2/250 A Franco-Hungarian painter, Victor Vasarely (1906-1997) first studied medicine before turning to art. In Budapest, he frequented artists from the Hungarian Bauhaus...

Category

1960s Op Art

Materials

Lithograph, Handmade Paper, Color, Screen

FACE, from Portfolio 9m Classic 1960s Op Art lithograph signed/n renowned artist
FACE, from Portfolio 9m Classic 1960s Op Art lithograph signed/n renowned artist

FACE, from Portfolio 9m Classic 1960s Op Art lithograph signed/n renowned artist

By Henry Pearson

Located in New York, NY

Henry Pearson FACE, from Portfolio 9, 1964 Color lithograph with deckled edges Signed, titled, and numbered 84/100 in graphite pencil on the front; with publishers' blind stamp 17 1/2 × 22 1/10 inches Publisher Irwin Hollander, with blindstamp Hand Signed and Numbered 84/100 with Irwin Hollander (printer) Blindstamp Unframed Henry Pearson's iconic Pop Art lithograph "Face" from the mid-Sixties is in the permanent Collection of the Museum of Modern Art as well as other public institutions. This Classic Sixties psychedelic designed Op Art lithograph was created as part of the legendary 'Portfolio 9' in 1967 - one of the most influential eras in 20th century art. It was housed in a gray cloth-colored box with maroon paper inner panels and a large maroon "9" designed by Richard Lindner on the cover. Portfolio 9 featured nine of the most important artists of the era, representative of the three major trends: Pop Art, Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism: Roy Lichtenstein, Saul Steinberg, Richard Lindner, Robert Motherwell, Henry Pearson, Louise Nevelson, Sam Francis, Willem de Kooning- and Ellsworth Kelly. The Introduction to the portfolio was written by Una E. Johnson, Curator of Prints & Drawings, The Brooklyn Museum. Johnson wrote in 1967 for the colophon page: "The artists were selected to demonstrate the great diversity and character of lithography in the United States today... the dialogue of diverse forms and many faceted idioms that compose this graphic journal mirror the eloquence and delight the strengths and caprices of a period. Furthermore, they reflect in fine measure the creative achievements of artists attuned to their time." The lithograph offered here has superb provenance: it comes directly from 'Portfolio 9', numbered 84/100. This is the very first time since 1967 that this hand signed & numbered print will be separated from the original portfolio presentation box. According to the description of this print in the catalogue raisonne, "Organized as a celebration of Irwin Hollander's collaboration with American artists working in the medium of lithography, the Portfolio 9 is a compendium of images by nine of Hollander's artist collaborators. Henry Pearson Biography: Henry Pearson was born in Kinston, North Carolina in 1914. He studied art at the University of North Carolina where he received his B. A. and later at Yale University where he received an M. F. A. Pearson spent over eleven years in the army during and after WWII. On one tour of duty in Japan he was assigned to interpret topographical maps due to his past training in Theatrical Set Design. He returned to Japan on another tour after the war in order to immerse himself more fully in the culture. Pearson returned to the United States in 1953 and enrolled at the Art Students League in New York where he studied with Reginald Marsh. The Op-Art Movement was beginning to gain popularity and Pearson...

Category

1960s Op Art

Materials

Lithograph, Pencil

Yaacov Agam, Color Composition, from XXe siecle, 1978
Yaacov Agam, Color Composition, from XXe siecle, 1978

Yaacov Agam, Color Composition, from XXe siecle, 1978

By Yaacov Agam

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Yaacov Agam (born 1928), titled Composition coloree (Color Composition), from the album XXe siecle, Nouvelle serie, XL Annee, No. 51, originates from the...

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

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

Materials

Acrylic, Paper, Oil Crayon

Warm Gradient Lights Diptych, Ethereal Glow Limited Edition Giclée, Abstract Art
Warm Gradient Lights Diptych, Ethereal Glow Limited Edition Giclée, Abstract Art

Warm Gradient Lights Diptych, Ethereal Glow Limited Edition Giclée, Abstract Art

By Ryan Rivadeneyra

Located in Barcelona, ES

Warm Gradient Lights is a vibrant Giclée print that explores the emotional resonance of color through soft, seamless transitions of pink, peach, lavender, and coral tones. This abstr...

Category

2010s Op Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Enterieur (Outside)
Enterieur (Outside)

Enterieur (Outside)

By Jurgen Peters

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Enterieur (Outside) Screen print, 1973 Signed lower right in pencil (see photo) Edition: A.P., annotated lower left corner Published by Edition Ltd., Indianapolis Image size: 21 3/4 ...

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Thermal Inversion, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
Thermal Inversion, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren

Thermal Inversion, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren

By Roy Ahlgren

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Thermal Inversion Year: 1980 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 140 Image Size: 18 x 25 inches Size: 22 x 29...

Category

1980s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Victor Vasarely, Door, 1982
Victor Vasarely, Door, 1982

Victor Vasarely, Door, 1982

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Victor Vasarely (Hungarian / French 1906 – 1997) Door, 1982 Numbered ‘E.A. 7/9’ (lower left) and signed Vasarely (lower right) Artist’s proof Silkscreen print 43 x 23.1/2 in. (109.3 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Op Art

Materials

Screen

Inca, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
Inca, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren

Inca, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren

By Roy Ahlgren

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Inca Year: 1984 Medium: Screenprint, signed, numbered, titled, and dated in pencil Edition: 150 Size: 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x 55.88 cm)

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Screen

TER-UR
TER-UR

Victor VasarelyTER-UR

$2,212Sale Price|25% Off

TER-UR

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Aventura, FL

Serigraph on paper. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Sheet size 39 x 30 inches. Image size 24.25 x 24.25 inches. Custom framed as pictured. From the edition of 250. Additio...

Category

Late 20th Century Op Art

Materials

Paper, Screen

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

Materials

Lithograph

TallerOr
TallerOr

TallerOr

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Fairlawn, OH

TallerOr Screen print printed on "card board" (cream poster board), 1968 Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 (54/150), plus 11 for the Vasarely Fou...

Category

1960s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Desert Icon II
Desert Icon II

Desert Icon II

By Roy Ahlgren

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Desert Icon II Screen print, c. 1968 Signed, titled and numbered in pencil (see photos) Edition 100 (17/100) Printed by the artist This image is the most elaborate of three color var...

Category

1960s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Yaacov Agam, Composition in Motion, from XXe siecle, 1980
Yaacov Agam, Composition in Motion, from XXe siecle, 1980

Yaacov Agam, Composition in Motion, from XXe siecle, 1980

By Yaacov Agam

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Yaacov Agam (born 1928), titled Composition en mouvement (Composition in Motion), from the album Homage to Agam, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Exhibition ...

Category

1980s Op Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

By Roy Ahlgren

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Signed, dated, titled and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 (80/150) 15 color silk screen 12" round Provenance: Estate of the Artist By decent

Category

1980s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Soft Lime, Signed/N 1970s geometric abstraction by renowned Op Artist  38" x 46"
Soft Lime, Signed/N 1970s geometric abstraction by renowned Op Artist  38" x 46"

Soft Lime, Signed/N 1970s geometric abstraction by renowned Op Artist 38" x 46"

By Richard Anuszkiewicz

Located in New York, NY

Richard Anuszkiewicz Soft Lime, 1976 8 Color silkscreen on Lenox 100% Cotton paper 38 × 46 inches Pencil signed and numbered 41/75 on the front; bears printers blind stamp from NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) Unframed We have not seen another example of this gorgeous mid century silkscreen...

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Screen, Pencil

Island Jewel, Unique Cut Glass OP Art Sculpture by Jon Kuhn
Island Jewel, Unique Cut Glass OP Art Sculpture by Jon Kuhn

Island Jewel, Unique Cut Glass OP Art Sculpture by Jon Kuhn

By Jon Kuhn

Located in Long Island City, NY

A polished glass sculpture by Joh Kuhn from 1992. A spectacular sculpture of crystal clear glass that forms a complicated prism in which light is reflected in a multitude of optical ...

Category

1990s Op Art

Materials

Glass

Majus II
Majus II

Victor VasarelyMajus II, 1974

$20,000Sale Price|20% Off

Majus II

By Victor Vasarely

Located in Palo Alto, CA

Victor Vasarely Majus II, 1974 is a screenprint on polyester on metal that is hand-signed by Victor Vasarely (Hungary, 1906 – France, 1997) in pen and ink the lower right margin and...

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Metal

Untitled 8, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by David Roth
Untitled 8, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by David Roth

Untitled 8, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by David Roth

By David Roth

Located in Long Island City, NY

This screenprint was created by American artist David Roth. Roth's images are proportioned according to a strict mathematical formula - the pictures are composed according to horizon...

Category

1970s Op Art

Materials

Screen

Op Art art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Op art 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 art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Victor Vasarely, Roy Ahlgren, Victor Debach, and Yaacov Agam. Frequently made by artists working with Screen Print, and 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, so small editions measuring 2 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $66 and tops out at $350,000, while the average work sells for $1,616.