“I’m interested,” Richard Anuszkiewicz (1930–2020) once said, “in making something romantic out of a very, very mechanistic geometry.” Anuszkiewicz sought to achieve this romance through works juxtaposing vibrant colors in geometric configurations. The perceptual effects he created helped define the American Op art movement.
Anuszkiewicz studied color theory at Yale under Josef Albers and was greatly influenced by Albers’s approach. “The image in my work has always been determined by what I wanted the color to do,” Anuszkiewicz explained in a 1974 catalogue. “Color function becomes my subject matter, and its performance is my painting.”
He departed from his mentor, however, in the pulsating, illusory qualities he gave his work. One of his most famous paintings, Deep Magenta Square (1978), although similar in composition to Albers’s “Homage to the Square” series, is distinctly Op art in the way the striations surrounding the central square seem to vibrate and jump off the canvas.
Anuszkiewicz spent his entire career exploring optical effects through the manipulation of line and color, producing spectacular and timeless pieces of art. “Working with basic ideas will always be exciting,” he said in 1977. “And if a color or form is visually exciting in any profound sense, it will be that way in 10 or 20 years from now.”
Browse a variety of paintings and prints by Richard Anuszkiewicz at 1stDibs.
Artist Richard Anuszkiewicz limited first edition Op Art Silk Scarf, 1970s
By Richard Anuszkiewicz
Located in Austin, TX
1970s artist Richard Anuszkiewicz silk printed scarf. Commissioned by the Smithsonian in 1970s for their gift shop. Limited first edition. Collectors item. Condition: Very good. We...
Black Mink Skinny Scarf Boa Belt with Finger Fringe – 64", 1950s
By Ira Berg
Located in Tucson, AZ
Fur shoulder cowls are as timeless as a set of pearls; supremely ladylike, tasteful and essential with strapless dresses, they will never go out of style. The narrow design permits styling as scarf or belt, and the quilted satin lining is a subtle ode to Chanel: a slice of luxury heaven! Black mink skinny scarf...
Christian Lacroix stole
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - Silk Jacquard stole with a flower pattern in pink, green, and blue tones. Black lace lining edged with black velvet. Not signed stole. Condition: Very good condi...
Hermès Navy Texas Wildlife Scarf, Kermit Oliver with Box
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Collectible navy Hermès Texas Wildlife 35" scarf by designer Kermit Oliver. Blue and black color combination. Hand-rolled edges. Comes with original box.
Hermes Lazy Leopardesses Camel Anthracite Fauve Silk Scarf 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Lazy Leopardesses silk scarf featured in Camel, Anthracite and Fauve. This exquisite Hermes scarf depicts the graceful majesty of felines in rest. Designe...
John Galliano 2005 Black Silk Muslin Shawl with Floral Embroidery
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - Fall-Winter 2005 ready-to-wear collection under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Double-layer black silk chiffon shawl embroidered with flowers in shades of pink,...
New Chanel Black Cashmere Icons XL shawl 74"
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel black cashmere gripoix XL shawl, icons, brand new unused condition. 74"x52" Dry Clean only.
New in Box Hermes Small Silk Graffiti Gavroche Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès black and red silk Graffiti pochette scarf with hand-rolled edges. New in box.
$317
Size: ONE SIZE /20.5”x 20.5” (inches)
2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano Colombus Small Silk Square Scarf
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano Colombus Small Silk Square Scarf. ONE Size. Measurements are provided in inches (‘’) 20.5”x 20.5” (inches) Condition; Great condition however ...
Chanel New Black CC Silk Chiffon Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Black Silk Shawl features a silver link print along the border and a CC Logo embellished. This shawl is a perfect accessory for any evening out.
Vintage Heavily Embroidered Silk Shawl
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Spanish silk shawl, with wonderful and colourful embroidery and fringing. The embroidery is of flowers and birds in great colours. Measurements without fringing ...
Hermes Silk Pony Express Navy Blue Celeste Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible navy blue Pony Express by Kermit Oliver silk scarf. Hand-rolled edges. Highly collectible subject . Please refer to last photo for small defect. Two small threads ...
New Chanel Black Gold Logo CC XL Silk 52" Scarf Shawl
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
New Chanel black and gold logo oversize scarf 100% silk 52" x 52"