“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...
Cute Hermès Silk Scarf Brides de Gala Bandana Navy White 55 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Scarf Print: "BRIDES DE GALA" in Bandana Version Pattern: Brides de Gala on polka dot and stars background, paisley print borders Most iconic and sold, ...
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf
By Dimitri Rybaltchenko, Hermès
Located in Thiensville, WI
HERMES A/W 2017 Dimitri Rybaltchenko “Space Shopping Au Faubourg” Silk Scarf Brand/Manufacturer: Hermes Collection: A/W 2017 Designer: ...
Hermes Limited Edition Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded Scarf Silk 90
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare limited edition Hermes Jungle Love Rainbow Beaded silk scarf by Robert Dallet. This legendry design of love depicts 2 am...
Christian Dior Silk Logo Scarf
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior Silk Logo Neck Scarf from the 1970's in maroon and navy silk twill. Square 19". 1970's France.
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.
Hermès NIB Gavroche twill Baobab Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès new "baobab" silk gavroche in blue. Comes with original box.
$1,600
H 55.12 in L 55.12 in
Hermes Shawl L’Instruction du Roy – CS140 – Bleu Ardoise - New Store Tag!
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
L’Instruction du Roy – CS140 – Bleu Ardoise – Marine – NWST - 2508211507 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Shawl 140 Cashmere & Silk (CS140) Name Design: L’Instruction du Roy, The King’...
Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2001 Feather Crystal Earrings Museum Italy
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Earrings F/W 2001 Collection Super Rare and Hard to Find!!! Black Feather and Crystal Earrings New with box. Same Earrings featured in Florence Gucci Museum!
Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle Scarf Marine Cashmere and Silk Shawl
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Zebra Pegasus Giant Triangle cashmere and silk shawl. Beautifully detailed multi colour wings. Designed by Alice Shirley. Marine colorway. ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Floral Wool and Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Saint Laurent YSLmulticolor wool & silk Floral shawl scarf featuring a Cassandre YSL signature, fringed hems. Composition: Wool & Silk Circa 1970s. In good vintage conditio...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Wool and Silk Paisley Long Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Saint Laurent YSL wool & silk paisley wool & silk scarf featuring floral paisley motif, fringed hem, a Cassandre YSL signature. Circa 1990s. Composition: 65%wool, 35% Silk ...
Hermès Kachinas Collectible Oliver Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès collectible silk twill 35" square Kachinas, scarf designed by US coveted designer Kermit Oliver. Issue date 1992. Hand-rolled edges.