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.
Circuitous, Op Art Serigraph by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Circuitous Year: 1978 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 70 Image Size: 20 x 20 inches Size: 22 x 22 inches
Screen
Solar Calendar II, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Lothar Quinte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lothar Quinte, Polish (1923 - 2000) - Solar Calendar II, Portfolio: Solar Calendar (Sonnenzyklus Kalender), Year: 1970, Medium: Screenprint on heavy stock, signed and numbered in ...
Screen
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Faces of Dali #2, Yvaral
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yvaral, Jean-Pierre Vasarely (1934-2002) Title: Faces of Dali #2 Year: 1977 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 104/200, plus proofs Size: 34.75 x 24.375 inches Condi...
Screen
Mobius, Signed Op Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Ahlgren, American (1927 - 2011) Title: Mobius Year: 1978 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Image Size: 18 x 26 inches Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.8...
Screen
Filtration
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Artist: Julian Stanczak Title: Filtration Year: 1978-80 Medium: Screen print Signature: Hand signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 175 Size: 25.5 x 25.5 in
Screen
$1,200
Fifth Dimension, 3-D Geometric Abstract Screenprint Collage by Anne Youkeles
Located in Long Island City, NY
This serigraph was created by Austrian-American artist Anne Youkeles. She has said that her work has benefited from the permissiveness that has encouraged artists to follow their cre...
Screen
Skyscrapers, OP Art Screenprint by Roy Ahlgren
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Skyscrapers Roy Ahlgren American (1927–2011) Date: circa 1980 Screenprint, estate stamp on verso Image Size: 10 x 10 inches Size: 13 x 13 in. (33.02 x 33.02 cm)
Screen
Aftermath
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Aftermath" 1981 is a color serigraph on Wove paper by noted American artist Roy Ahlgren, 1927-2011 It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 2/150in pencil b...
Screen
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Geometric Composition in White, Red and Blue Original Acrylic on Board
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...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Laudis End
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Laudis End" 1981 is a color serigraph on Wove paper by noted American artist Roy Ahlgren, 1927-2011 It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 90/99 in pencil...
Screen
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Wash Art 1978, Yaacov Agam
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yaakov Agam (1928) Title: Wash Art Year: 1978 Medium: Silkscreen on wove paper Size: 38.5 x 23.25 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed in colored ink Notes: Publis...
Screen
Zarch III, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Babe Shapiro
By Babe Shapiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Babe Shapiro, American (1937 - 2016) Title: Zarch III Year: 1971 Medium: Screenprint, signed in pencil Edition: AP Image Size: 30 x 22 inches Size: 33 x 25 in. (83.82 x 63.5 cm)
Screen
Helios Blues - Geometric Oil Painting in Op Art and Hard-Edge Tradition
Located in Manchester, GB
Piicasa, Helios Blues, 2023 Spray Paint on Wood Oil on Canvas 100 x 100 cm (39.37 x 39.37 in) Unsigned Callum Simmons, aka Piicasa creates a series of paintings with contrasting...
Canvas, Oil
Colorful Geometric Abstract OP Art Screenprint by David Roth 9
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...
Screen
Blind Spot - Geometric Oil Painting in Op Art and Hard-Edge Tradition
Located in Manchester, GB
Piicasa, Blind Spot, 2023 Oil on Canvas 40 x 40 cm (15.75 x 15.75 in) Original Artwork Callum Simmons, aka Piicasa creates a series of paintings with contrasting colours, fields an...
Canvas, Oil
Gull Point
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Gull Point" 1987 is a color serigraph by noted American artist Roy Ahlgren, 1927-2011 It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 60/100 in pencil by the artis...
Screen
Thunder Bay
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Thunder Bay" 1986 is a color serigraph on Wove paper by noted American artist Roy Ahlgren, 1927-2011 It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 14/95 in penci...
Screen
Ringling, Signed Geometric Abstract Screenprint by David Simpson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: David Simpson Title: Ringling Year: c. 1969 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 80 Size: 30 x 22.5 inches
Screen
Enterieur (Outside)
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 ...
Screen
USA, Op Art Screenprint by Jack Brusca
By Jack Brusca
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jack Brusca, American (1939 - 1993) - USA, Year: 1978, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 200, AP 30, Image Size: 24 x 24 inches, Size: 28 in. x 26 in....
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
"Hat B"
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: offset lithograph (after Vasarely). Printed in 1972 in Neuchatel, Switzerland on thick, high-gloss paper and published by Editions du Griffon for the "Vasarely Progressions 1...
Offset
Red Denise Rene Poster
By Josef Albers
Located in Austin, TX
A vintage screen print poster after minimalist, op artist Joseph Albers from 1968. The piece advertises and exhibit of paintings and graphic works at Denise Rene, a Paris Art Galler...
Screen
$750
Agam Silkscreen Mod Judaica Lithograph Hand Signed Israeli Kinetic Op Art Print
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Surfside, FL
Yaacov Agam Israeli (b. 1928) Hand signed, not individually numbered but from edition of 180. I can include a copy of the title sheet with the edition size and his signature if you r...
Lithograph, Screen
Infinitive, Geometric Abstract Serigraph by Jurgen Peters, 1981
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
Michael Dal Cerro, Entryway, 2020, Linocut, Urban Landscape, Modern
Located in Darien, CT
Michael Dal Cerro's prints could be seen as imaginary architectural proposals. He takes satisfaction in taking something that is supposed to be exact...
Ink, Archival Paper, Linocut
$2,000
"Involution - Union 4B" Original Large-Scale Abstract Woodcut by Kazumi Amano
Located in Soquel, CA
"Involution - Union 4B" Original Large-Scale Abstract Woodcut by Kazumi Amano Stunning Op-Art checkered color woodblock by Kazumi Amano (Japanese, 1927-2...
Paper, Ink
$750
Agam Silkscreen Mod Judaica Lithograph Hand Signed Israeli Kinetic Op Art Print
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Surfside, FL
Yaacov Agam Israeli (b. 1928) Hand signed, not individually numbered but from edition of 180. I can include a copy of the title sheet with the edition size and his signature if you r...
Lithograph, Screen
Banya, 1964 Vintage Abstract Op Art Screen Print Serigraph
Located in Surfside, FL
Screen print square, inscribed 'Vasarely' at bottom, hung diagonally, sides of the square 23 1/2 x 23 1/2 (59.5 x 59.5); as hung, 33 x 33 (84 x 84). VICTOR VASARELY (1908-1997) In...
Screen
Mesa
By Roy Ahlgren
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Mesa" 1985 is a color serigraph on Wove paper by noted American artist Roy Ahlgren, 1927-2011 It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 66/130 in pencil by t...
Screen
Zebra
Located in Miami, FL
Victor Vasarely “Zebra” 1977 Porcelain Rosenthal Ed. 2761 of 3000 14 x 12 in
Porcelain
Square Variables IX
By Todd Smith
Located in Surfside, FL
Early graphic work by the photographer Todd Smith during his period at Pratt Institute in the early 1970s. Edition of 250, unsigned and unnumbered, as issued.
Lithograph
Solar Calendar III, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Lothar Quinte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lothar Quinte, Polish (1923 - 2000) - Solar Calendar III, Portfolio: Solar Calendar (Sonnenzyklus Kalender), Year: 1970, Medium: Screenprint on heavy stock, signed and numbered in...
Screen
Abstract Composition in Purple - Screen Print by V. Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition in purple in an original screenprint realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. 50x70 cm. Numbered edition. Handsigned in pencil on the right lower margin. Excelle...
Screen
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Continual, Julian Stanczak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Julian Stanczak (1928-2017) Title: Continual Year: 1979 Edition: 41/175, plus proofs Medium: Silkscreen on Somerset paper Size: 25 x 25 inches Condition: Good Inscription: Si...
Screen
Abstract Green Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Green Composition is a Screen Print on Paper realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. Limited edition of 100 copies numbered and signed by the artist with pencil on the lower ma...
Screen
Sixties, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Takaaki Matsumoto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A geometric abstract print by Japanese artist Takaaki Matsumoto. Sixties Takaaki Matsumoto, Japanese (1954) Date: 1991 Screenprint Edition of 68 Size: 24 x 24 in. (60.96 x 60.96 cm)
Screen
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...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Composition in Purple - Screen Print by V. Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition in purple in a screenprint realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. 50x70 cm. Edition 16/100 Handsigned in pencil on the right lower margin. Excellent conditions.
Screen
Abstract Composition in Purple - Screen Print by V. Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition in purple is a screenprint realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. 50x70 cm. Edition 15/100 Handsigned in pencil on the right lower margin. Excellent conditions.
Screen
Flirt, OP Art Screenprint by Arthur Boden
By Arthur Boden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Arthur Boden Title: Flirt Year: circa 1970 Medium: Serigraph on Canvas, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP Size: 31 x 36 in. (78.74 x 91.44 cm)
Screen
Abstract Green Composition - Screen Print by V. Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Green Composition is a Screen Print on Paper realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. Limited edition of 100 copies numbered and signed by the artist with pencil on the lower ma...
Screen
Untitled II, Op Art Abstract Acrylic Painting on Arches Paper by David Roth
By David Roth
Located in Long Island City, NY
This acrylic 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...
Paper, Acrylic
Untitled V, Op Art Abstract Geometric Pencil Drawing David Roth
By David Roth
Located in Long Island City, NY
This colored pencil drawing was created by American artist David Roth. Roth's images are proportioned according to a strict mathematical formula - the pictures are composed according...
Paper, Color Pencil
$950
II from the Aquarius Suite, Op Art Screenprint by Stanley William Hayter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Stanley Hayter, British (1901 - 1988) Title: II from the Aquarius Suite Year: 1970 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150; AP XXX Paper Size: 27 x ...
Screen
Vintage Chokk Mini C Original Op Art Vasarely Collage Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
VICTOR VASARELY (1908-1997) CHOKK-MINI C, 1988. Colored paper collage, signed in black ink lower right Titled, signed, dated and numbered 'VAS-440' on the verso; Frame: 24.75" x 18" ...
Mixed Media
Optical Green Composition - Original Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Optical green composition is an original contemporary artwork realized by Victor Debach in the 1970s. Mixed colored serigraph on paper. Hand signed on the lower right margin. Num...
Screen
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Composition, Victor Vasarely
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Victor Vasarely (1908-1997) Title: Pink Composition Year: Circa 1982 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 217/300, plus proofs Size: 27.5 x 20.25 inches Condition: Goo...
Screen
Quasar-Gelb-Grun, Op Art Screenprint by Lothar Quinte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lothar Quinte, Polish (1923 - 2000) - Quasar-Gelb-Grun, Year: 1973, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 25/40, Size: 35.5 x 35 in. (90.17 x 88.9 cm)
Screen
Abstract Geometrical Scene - Mixed Media by Rodolfo Aricò - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract geometrical Scene is an original artwork realized by Rodolfo Aricò (Milan, 3 June 1930 – 22 June 2002) in the 1970s. Colored lilac film on ca...
Paper, Mixed Media
Compounded Red
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Signed and numbered in pencil Publisher: Eugene Shuster, London Arts Printer: Vistec Graphics, Rochester, New York Stamp verso: London Arts Copyright 1980 Edition: 175 (85/175)
Screen
Gamut, Abstract Geometric Op Art Screenprint by Mark Rowland
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Mark Rowland (American, 1953 - ) Title: Gamut Medium: Screenprint, signed, dated, and titled in pencil Edition 214/300 Size: 30 x 30 in. (76.2 x ...
Screen
Abstract Composition in Purple - Screen Print by V. Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract composition in purple in an original screenprint realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. 50x70 cm. Edition 18/100 Handsigned in pencil on the right lower margin. Excell...
Screen
$950
Structure Cubique, OP Art Screenprint by Yvaral Vasarely
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jean-Pierre Vasarely Yvaral, French (1934 - 2002) Title: 50 Shades of Blue Year: circa 1970 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 200 Image Size: 24.5 x...
Screen
Fuchsine Composition - Original Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Hand signed and numbered. Edition of 100 prints. On headed paper.
Screen
Karen, Abstract Geometric OP Art Screenprint by Josef Levi
By Josef Levi
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Levi, American (1938 - ) Title: Karen Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 150; AP XII Image Size: 12 x 12 inches Size: 14 x 18 in. (3...
Screen
Split Infinity #B2S, OP Art Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Herbert Aach
By Herbert Aach
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint 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...
Screen
Abstract Violet Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Violet Composition is a Screen Print on Paper realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. Limited edition of 100 copies numbered and signed by the artist with pencil on the lower m...
Screen
Abstract Pink Composition - Screen Print by Victor Debach - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Pink Composition is a Screen Print on Paper realized by Victor Debach in 1970s. Limited edition of 100 copies numbered and signed by the artist with pencil on the lower mar...
Screen
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Graphic Tectonic: Seclusion - P1, F33, I1, Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artis...
Screen