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.
Complex Geometries - Screen Print by Mario Padovan - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Complex Geometries is an original colored serigraph realized by Mario Padovan in the 1970s. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition o...
Screen
Emerged Land - Lithograph by Mario Padovan - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Emerged Land is a colored lithograph realized by Mario Padovan in the 1970s. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition of 50 prints num...
Lithograph
Optical Composition - Original Lithograph by Mario Padovan - 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Optical Composition is an original colored serigraph realized by Mario Padovan in the 1970s. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition ...
Lithograph
Sinuous Geometries - Original Lithograph by Mario Padovan - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Sinuous Geometries is an original colored lithograph realized by Mario Padovan in the 1970s. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition ...
Lithograph
Parallel Roads - Lithograph by Mario Padovan - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Parallel Roads is a beautiful colored lithograph realized by Mario Padovan in the 1970s. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition of 1...
Lithograph
Optical Composition - Original Screen Print by Mario Padovan - 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Optical Composition is an original colored serigraph realized by Mario Padovan in 1973. Hand-signed in pencil on the lower right. Numbered in pencil on the lower left. Edition 71/10...
Lithograph
Faces of Dali #1
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Greenwich, CT
Faces of Dalí #1 is a serigraph on paper with an image size of 26 x 18 inches, signed 'Yvaral' lower right and numbered 91/200 lower left. From the edition of 263 (there were also 20...
Paper, Screen
Diamonds Floating in Orange
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Julian Stanczak Diamonds Floating in Orange 1970 Silkscreen 28 1/4 x 28 1/4 in. Edition of 135 Pencil Signed and Numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shien...
Screen
Great American Perspective, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Great American Perspective Year: 1973 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition Size: 60 Size: 20.5 x 20.5 in. (52....
Screen
$5,976
Almir Mavignier: 9 Abstract Screenprints from the "48 Serigraphien" Portfolio
By Almir Mavignier
Located in Hamburg, DE
Almir Mavignier Untitled (from 48 Serigraphien), 1961 Medium: 9 abstract screen prints on paper Dimensions: 15 7/10 × 11 7/10 in 39.8 × 29.7 cm Edition of 50: Each Hand-signed in pe...
Screen
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$760
Ezinor (Crystal): The Discourse on Method - Op Art Illusion Hungarian Descartes
Located in London, GB
This original screenprint in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist “Vasarely” in the lower right margin. It is also hand numbered in pencil from the edition of 138, at the l...
Screen
$34,422Sale Price|20% Off
Malyva Op Art Collage, Mixed Media on Archival Paper, Framed, 1956
Located in CANNES, FR
Victor VASARELY ( 1906 -1997 ) " MALYVA " collage de papiers de couleurs collés sur carton . 1956 . Signé et Daté 1956 . " UNIQUE WORK " 67 X 51 cm Framed vintage : 88 x 75 cm fa...
Archival Paper
Gift From the Sun (black)
By Eric Ernst
Located in East Hampton, NY
Gift from the Sun 15"x15" $1150 8 color ultra chrome HD archival digital ink on archival paper. Editions of 25 Print to Order About the Artist: Eric Ernst was born in Norwal...
Archival Pigment
Iboya, NBC 35
Located in Palo Alto, CA
The Hungarian word, Iboya, meaning a small forest violet, has been chosen by Vasarely to identify his astonishing series of vertical sculptures for intereior use. The Iboya consist ...
Polystyrene, Wood
Baronian, 1983, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Baronian Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1983 Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of AP Image Size: 29.5 x 20.25 inches ...
Etching, Aquatint
Ducalion I, 1983, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ducalion I Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1983 Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of AP Image Size: 20.25 x 29.5 inche...
Etching, Aquatint
Faith, 1982, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Faith Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1982 Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of AP Image Size: 29.5 x 20.25 inches Siz...
Etching, Aquatint
Narguissian, 1983, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Narguissian Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1983 Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of AP Image Size: 29.5 x 20.25 inch...
Etching, Aquatint
Egg (Red), Geometric Screenprint by Kyohei Inukai
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Kyohei Inukai, American (1913 - 1985) Title: Egg (Red) Year: circa 1970 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 50 Image Size: 25 x 20 inches Size: 35 x 23...
Screen
Egg (Orange), Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Kyohei Inukai
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Kyohei Inukai, American (1913 - 1985) Title: Egg (Orange) Year: circa 1970 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 50 Image Size: 25 x 20 inches Size: 35 x...
Screen
"L’échiquier" by Victor Vasarely
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
The Exchequer - Victor Vasarely - 1935 Lithography Inscribed on the back "L'échiquier - Lithog (1935)". Paper size: 40x46cm Size of the work: 33x23cm Signature at bottom right in p...
Lithograph
Helios, 1967
Located in Palo Alto, CA
This magnificent work by Victor Vasarely displays an intricate interplay of green optical figures against a clear background in a three-dimensional medium. It offers a fascinating vi...
Plexiglass, Screen
Blue Arrow, Op Art Screenprint by Babe Shapiro
By Babe Shapiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
Babe Shapiro, American (1937 - 2016) - Blue Arrow, Year: circa 1970, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 31/90, Image Size: 25.75 x 30 inches, Size: 30.75 x ...
Screen
Rainbow Waves, Op Art Screenprint by Jurgen Peters
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jurgen Peters, German (1936 - ) Title: Rainbow Waves Year: 1981 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250, AP 30 Image Size: 18.5 x 34 inches Size...
Screen
Oscillation I, Rainbow OP Screenprint by James Norman
By James Norman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: James Norman, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Oscillation I Year: 1980 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 35/95 Image Size: 10 x 33 inches Size: 25 x 3...
Screen
Summer, Rainbow OP Art Screenprint by James Norman
By James Norman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: James Norman, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Summer Year: 1981 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 39/50 Image Size: 22 x 32 inches Size: 25 x 38 in. (...
Screen
"Busta" 38x50" illusion on canvas
By Joe Doyle and Diane Rosenblum
Located in Southampton, NY
This illusionistic work on canvas titled "Busta" is a collaboration between two artists, Joe Doyle and Diane Rosenblum. The surface of the canvas is completely flat but a remarkable ...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Pigment
VB-VB-Rouge (framed hand signed serigraph)
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed lower right by Victor Vasarely. Hand numbered 194/200 lower left. Sheet Size: 32.5 x 32.5 inches. Image size: 29.5 x 29.5 inches. Frame...
Paper, Screen
Triond, 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
This beautiful serigraphy is full of color, emblematic from the Vasarely work.
Paper
Faces of Dali #2
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Greenwich, CT
Faces of Dalí #2 is a serigraph on paper with an image size of 26 x 18 inches, signed 'Yvaral' lower right and numbered 80/200 lower left. From the edition of 263 (there were also 20...
Paper, Screen
K-BGB, Op Art Screenprint by Josef Levi
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint was created by American artist Josef Levi. Levi is especially known for his interest in the visual similarities that transcend cultures, like the pattern shown here....
Screen
K-PBMB, Geometric Op Art Screenprint by Josef Levi
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint was created by American artist Josef Levi. Levi is especially known for his interest in the visual similarities that transcend cultures, like the pattern shown here....
Screen
$11,500
Aurora
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In Didem Yagci’s artwork “Aurora,” she intricately layers cut wood panels on plaster, creating a mesmerizing symmetrical design. The wall sculpture is anim...
Plaster, Wood Panel
New York City Opera
Located in New York, NY
Richard Anuszkiewicz New York City Opera, 1968 Silkscreen poster 35 x 25 inches Unsigned Anuszkiewicz created this poster, which was part of "Seve...
Screen
Flat, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Takaaki Matsumoto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A geometric abstract print by Japanese artist Takaaki Matsumoto. Flat Takaaki Matsumoto, Japanese (1954) Date: 1991 Screenprint Edition of 55 Size: 24 x 24 in. (60.96 x 60.96 cm)
Screen
Yellow, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Takaaki Matsumoto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A bright yellow geometric abstract print by Japanese artist Takaaki Matsumoto. Yellow Takaaki Matsumoto, Japanese (1954) Date: 1991 Screenprint Edition of 89 Size: 24 x 24 in. (60....
Screen
Trespass, Op Art Screenprint by Julian Stanczak
Located in Long Island City, NY
A colorful OP Art silkscreen by Poland-born American OP Artist, Julian Stanczak. Artist: Julian Stanczak, American (1928 - 2017) Title: Trespass Year: 1981 Medium: Screenprint, si...
Screen
Probe, OP Art Silkscreen by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Probe Year: 1973 Medium: Silkscreen, signed, titled and numbered in pencil Edition: AP Image Size: 17 x 17 inches Size: 20 in. x 20...
Screen
Purple/Yellow, OP Art Screenprint by Josef Levi, 1970
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint was created by American artist Josef Levi. Levi is especially known for his interest in the visual similarities that transcend cultures, like the pattern shown here....
Screen
Split Infinity #B15, Colorful Geometric Silkscreen by Herbert Aach
By Herbert Aach
Located in Long Island City, NY
This serigraph was created by German Op artist Herbert Aach. Aach's prints play with geometry and form, and trick the viewer's eyes by juxtaposing bright neon colors. This print is s...
Screen
Hydra, OP Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hydra Roy Ahlgren, American (1927–2011) Date: 1980 Screenprint, signed, numbered, dated, and titled in pencil Edition of 17/50 Image Size: 17 x 23 inches Size: 20 x 26 in. (50.8 x 66...
Screen
DOOR-MC
Located in Fairlawn, OH
DOOR-MC Screen print, 1982 Signed and numbered in pencil Printed on Arches wove paper Published by Atelier Arcay, Paris Edition: 325 (47/325) Reference Benavides & Vasarely No. 894 C...
Screen
Carlos Cruz-Diez, Colonne C 23, 2018
Located in Miami, FL
Carlos Cruz-Diez Colonne C 23, 2018 Cerámica. Edición Francis Delille, París. Realizada en el atelier de la Tuilerie, Treigny Ed 2 of 8 32 in
Ceramic
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled (Geometric Structure), Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Victor Vasarely (1908-1997) Title: Untitled (Geometric Structure) Year: 1975 Medium: Silkscreen on handmade paper Edition: E.A.; 250 Size: 21.65 x 22.83 inches Condition: Exc...
Screen
Blue and Red Spirals, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Getulio Alviani
Located in Long Island City, NY
While you might not have heard of Getulio Alviani, he was very popular among the other Op Artists of his time. Jesus Rafael Soto asked Alviani to be th...
Screen
Fugue VII, Minimalist Abstract Screenprint by Peter Markgraf
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Peter Markgraf, Canadian (1924 - 2008) Title: Fugue VII Year: circa 1970 Medium: Screenprint, signed, numbered, and titled in pencil Edition: 56...
Screen
Puzzle, Abstract Pop Art Screenprint by Arthur Boden
By Arthur Boden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Arthur Boden, American Title: Puzzle Year: 1970 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 8/75 Size: 21.5 in. x 21.5 in. (54.61 cm x 54.61 cm)
Screen
Safe Harbor, Signed Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Safe Harbor Year: 1988 Medium: Serigraph, signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil Edition: 11/100 Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x ...
Screen
Concatenation, OP Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Concatination Year: 1970 Medium: Silkscreen, signed, titled and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 Image Size: 18 x 18 inches Size: 2...
Screen
Eternal Vigilance, Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Eternal Vigilance Year: 1975 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 60 Size: 26 x 20 in. (66.04 x 50.8 cm)
Screen
PEACE III (HEXAGON SHAPED)
By Stan Slutsky
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed and titled on verso by the artist. Canvas is stretched in a hexagon shape as pictured. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of A...
Canvas, Acrylic
Starry, Starry Night - Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
This swirling chrome and silver print is named in reference to the famous painting “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh. The spiral that pulls at the center of the composition is remin...
Screen
$650
"Concentric Space (Silver)", Silkscreen by Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000) Title: Concentric Space (Silver) Year: 1969 Medium: Silkscreen on foil paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 50 Image...
Foil
Pinwheel, Op Art Screenprint by Jurgen Peters, 1980
Located in Long Island City, NY
This serigraph was created by German artist Jurgen Peters. Peters was a very well known optical artist in the 1970s, he was a contemporary of Victor Vasarely, Yaacov Agam and Briget Riley...
Screen
Exploded View, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Exploded View Year: 1971 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 50 Image Size: 17 x 17 inches Size: 20 x 20 i...
Screen
Josef Levi, "Green, " OP Art Screenprint, 1970
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint was created by American artist Josef Levi. Levi is especially known for his interest in the visual similarities that transcend cultures, like the pattern shown here....
Screen
Ikon, Op Art Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Ikon Year: 1976 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Image Size: 17 x 17 inches Size: 20 x 20 in. (50.8 x 50.8 cm)
Screen
$2,500
John F. Kennedy, Op Art Screenprint Portrait by Yvaral
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jean-Pierre Vasarely - "Yvaral", French (1934 - 2002) Title: John F. Kennedy Year: circa 1979 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 177/200 Size: 41 in...
Screen
$950
I from the Aquarius Suite, Op Art Screenprint by Stanley William Hayter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Stanley Hayter, British (1901 - 1988) Title: I from the Aquarius Suite Year: 1970 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150; AP XXX Paper Size: 27 x 23...
Screen