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.
Countessian, 1983, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Countessian 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
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
Heatwave, 1979, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Heatwave Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1979 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
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
Regalion, 1983, Etching with Aquatint by Barry Nelson
By Barry Nelson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Regalion Barry Nelson, British/American (1937) Date: 1983 Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of 15/15 Image Size: 29.5 x 20.25 inch...
Etching, Aquatint
Olkia-1
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Olkia-1 Color lithograph, 1962 Signed dated and numbered in lower margin Edition: 80 (32/80) Condition: Very good. White pigment appears to have been added along the border of the ov...
Lithograph
Geometric Composition, Op Art Screenprint by Robert Tucker
Located in Long Island City, NY
Robert Tucker - Geometric Composition, Year: circa 1975, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 105/200, Image Size: 30 x 30 inches...
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
K-GRBB, Op Art Screenprint by Josef Levi
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
Josef Levi, American (1938 - ) - K-GRBB, Year: 1971, Medium: Screenprint, signed, numbered, titled and dated, Edition: 1/2, Image Size: 28 x 28 inches, Size: 32 x 32 in. (81.28 x 81....
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
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
Templos de la amistad
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
This striking serigraph by Pedro Friedeberg is a unique illustration of his rebellious architectural imagination. It is a dense grid of roughly 35 fantastical, stylized temples, kios...
Screen
La Escalera Azul, de la serie Sintesis
Located in Miami, FL
La Escalera Azul, de la serie Sintesis 1979 Plexiglas and metal Ed 37 of 110 20 x 14 x 5 in Literature: Museo Guggenheim Bilbao. “Soto. The Fourth dimension”. Catalogue published on...
Metal
Let It Be Orange
Located in Miami, FL
Technical Information: Julian Stanczak Let It Be Orange 1981 Screenprint 25 3/4 x 25 3/4 in. Edition of 175 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA...
Screen
Untitled 25, Framed Abstract Geometric Op Art Screenprint by David Roth
By David Roth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luminous Op Art print by David Roth. Nicely matted and framed in black. Untitled 25 David Roth, American (1942) Date: 1979 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 150 ...
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
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
Faces of Dali #6
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Greenwich, CT
Faces of Dalí #6 is a serigraph on paper with an image size of 26 x 18 inches, signed 'Yvaral' lower right and numbered 115/200 lower left. From the edition of 263 (there were also 2...
Paper, Screen
Faces of Dali #4
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Greenwich, CT
Faces of Dalí #4 is a serigraph on paper with an image size of 25 x 17 inches, signed 'Yvaral' lower right and numbered 160/200 lower left. From the edition of 263 (there were also 2...
Paper, Screen
Cloud, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Takaaki Matsumoto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A geometric abstract print by Japanese artist Takaaki Matsumoto. Cloud Takaaki Matsumoto, Japanese (1954) Date: 1991 Screenprint Edition of 125 Size: 24 x 24 in. (60.96 x 60.96 cm)
Screen
Computer, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Takaaki Matsumoto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A geometric abstract print by Japanese artist Takaaki Matsumoto. Computer Takaaki Matsumoto, Japanese (1954) Date: 1991 Screenprint Edition of 198 Size: 24 x 24 in. (60.96 x 60.96 cm)
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
Space Sounds no.3
Located in Long Island City, NY
Space Sounds no.3 Evelyn B. Johnson Date: circa 1980 Screenprint, signed, numbered, and titled in pencil Edition of 7/25 Image Size: 28 x 21 inches Size: 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x 55.88 cm)
Screen
Skylight XVII, Op Art Screenprint by Evelyn B. Johnson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Skylight XVII Evelyn B. Johnson Date: 1981 Screenprint, signed, numbered, dated and titled in pencil Edition of 19/25 Image Size: 26 x 38 inches Size: 30 x 42 ...
Screen
K-3B, Geometric Op Art Screenprint by Josef Levi, 1971
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
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
$1,750Sale Price|50% Off
LINEAR WEAVING (DIMENSIONAL HAND PAINTED WOOD)
By Stan Slutsky
Located in Aventura, FL
Original dimensional hand painted, custom cut and mounted wood. Hand signed on front and verso. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of Authenticity included. All reason...
Wood, Acrylic
$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
Red Mandala, OP Art Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 2000) Title: Red Mandala Year: 1969 Medium: Screenprint on Japon, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 75 Paper Size: 30 in. x 22...
Screen
Big Sur, OP Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Bir Sur Year: 1981 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150 Image Size: 18 x 25.5 inches Size: 22.5 x 30 in...
Screen
Mao18, Colorful OP Art Silkscreen by Ryo Tokita
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original hand-signed and numbered (edition 17/50) silkscreen by Ryo Tokita. Ryo Tokita is a Japanese born artist who emigrated to the United States in 1...
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
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Embryo, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Embryo Year: 1982 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 130 Image Size: 18 x 25 inches Size: 22 x 29.5 in. (5...
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
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
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
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
Ascension, Op Art Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Ascension Year: 1978 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 65 Image Size: 24 x 18 inches Size: 26 x 20 in. (6...
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
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
Squares, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Ludwig Wilding
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ludwig Wilding, German (1927 - 2010) Title: Squares Year: 1967 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 38/100 Image Size: 15.5 x 15.5 inches Size: 23.5 x ...
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
Purple v. 1, OP Art Silkscreen by Babe Shapiro
By Babe Shapiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Babe Shapiro, American (1937 - 2016) Title: Purple v. 1 Year: 1972 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 75 Image Size: 28 x 28 inches Size: 35 x 3...
Screen
Red v. 2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Babe Shapiro
By Babe Shapiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Babe Shapiro, American (1937 - 2016) Title: Red v. 2 Year: 1972 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 99 Image Size: 25 x 25 inches Size: 35 x 35 in. (88...
Screen
Julio Le Parc (1928) - Pochoir on paper - 1992
Located in Varese, IT
Pochoir on paper, edited in 1992. Limited edition of 50 copies, numbered as 23/50 in lower corner. Hand-signed by artist in pencil. Paper size: 70 x 70 cm Framed size: 70,7 x 70,...
Paper
White black structure 2025 - Geometric abstract painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful abstract painting by Lucchetta comes framed in a wooden white frame. Its frame size is 92X92 cm and It will ship in a custom wooden crate. This hand painted piece by ...
Paper, Acrylic, Board
Frieze -- Screen Print, Abstract, Op Art by Bridget RIley
Located in London, GB
Frieze, 2000 Bridget Riley Screenprint in colours, on wove paper Signed, dated, titled and numbered from the edition of 200 (plus 20 artist's proof) Printed by Sally Gimson Artizan ...
Screen
Moon Rays
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Moon Rays Graphic Construction (three sheets layered in a shadow box presentation), 1967 Signed lower right. Editioned lower left. (see photos) Edition: 60 f...
Other Medium
$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
Mid Century Modern Dimensional Ink on Acetate Stippled Op Art Mixed Media Work
Located in New York, NY
This refined mid century modern mixed media work was realized in the United States circa 1970. In dialogue with the Op Art movement of the time- popularized by such artists such as V...
Ink
Tempo of Three 1981 Screenprint 26 x 39 1/4 in. Edition of 175
Located in Miami, FL
Technical Information: Julian Stanczak Tempo of Three 1981 Screenprint 26 x 39 1/4 in. Edition of 175 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art
Screen
Compounded Red
Located in Miami, FL
Technical Information: Julian Stanczak Compounded Red 1981 Screenprint 26 x 26 in. Edition of 175 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art
Screen
$16,500
Heuristic #05
By Sungyong Hong
Located in Mc Lean, VA
3-d lenticulary photography
Lenticular
Teke
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Victor Vasarely Teke c. 1970 Screenprint 34 1/2 x 30 1/2 in. Edition of 250 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art. C...
Screen
Sikra-MC
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Victor Vasarely Sikra MC 1968 Screenprint 21 3/8 x 15 in. Edition of 200 Pencil signed and numbered Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art. Cond...
Screen
Carnival -- Screen Print, Abstract, Op Art by Bridget RIley
Located in London, GB
Carnival, 2000 Bridget Riley Sscreenprint in colours, on wove paper Signed, dated, titled and numbered from the edition of 75 (plus 10 artist's proof) Printed and published by Artiz...
Screen
Orom (Denfert), from: The Discourse on Method - Op Art Illusion Hungarian
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
CSW 2024.2 (coral orange vibrant grid painting on wood optical fine lines)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
The series "Mångatas" explores the marriage of chance-derived gestures with exacting grid geometry. Built upon a multilayered convergence of aerosol painting and hard-edge technique...
Spray Paint, Acrylic