Fernand Mann Vintage Op Art Silk Screened Mirror by Modern Classics New York

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Fernand Mann Vintage Op Art Silk Screened Mirror by Modern Classics New York

About the Item

A vintage, circa 1970's pop art / op art mirror that was designed by Fernand Mann for Modern Classics of New York and silk screened by hand. Housed and presented in an aluminum frame, this piece exudes the vibe and energy of the 1970's. This is one of three mirrors that I have on offer in my HKFA storefront here on 1stdibs. The graphic and linear pattern invites the viewer to sit, stare and admire. I wanted to learn more about op art (and I hope you do too) so I offer this fascinating history from the Visual Arts Cork website, "Op art exploits the functional relationship between the eye's retina (the organ that "sees" patterns) and the brain (the organ that interprets patterns). Certain patterns cause confusion between these two organs, resulting in the perception of irrational optical effects. These effects fall into two basic categories: first, movement caused by certain specific black and white geometric patterns, such as those in Bridget Riley's earlier works, or Getulio Alviani's aluminium surfaces, which can confuse the eye even to the point of inducing physical dizziness. (Note: Op art's association with the effects of movement is why it is regarded as a division of Kinetic art.) Second, after-images which appear after viewing pictures with certain colours, or colour-combinations. The interaction of differing colours in the painting - simultaneous contrast, successive contrast, and reverse contrast - may cause additional retinal effects. For example, in Richard Anuszkiewicz's "temple" paintings, the arrangement of two highly contrasting colours makes it appears as if the architectural shape is encroaching on the viewer's space. Despite its strange, often nausea-inducing effects, Op-Art is perfectly in line with traditional canons of fine art. All traditional painting is based upon the "illusion" of depth and perspective: Op-Art merely broadens its inherently illusionary nature by interfering with the rules governing optical perception. The origins of Op Art go back to pre-war painting theories, including the constructivist ideas of the 1920s Bauhaus design school in Germany, which stressed the importance of the overall formal design, in creating a specific visual effect. When the Bauhaus closed down in 1933, many of its lecturers (notably Josef Albers) moved to America and taught in Chicago and at the Black Mountain College in North Carolina. Josef Albers duly produced his famous "Homage to the Square" series of paintings which had Op-Art tendencies. Meantime, from the early 1930s, the Hungarian-born painter and graphic artist Victor Vasarely was experimenting with various visual tricks such as trompe-l'oeil and others, from certain types of poster art: see his Op-Art picture Zebras (1938). Later, he turned to painting, creating the geometric abstract pictures for which he is famous. During the 1950s, the Op-Art style also appeared in John McHale's black and white Dazzle panels at the "This Is Tomorrow" exhibition in 1956. Bridget Riley began to develop her distinctive style of black-and-white optical art around 1960. Modern interest in Op Art dates from "The Responsive Eye" exhibition, curated by William C. Seitz, which was held in 1965 at New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). A wide range of works were exhibited including those by the well-known Victor Vasarely and the contemporary Bridget Riley. Immensely popular, the show highlighted the illusion of movement and the interaction of colour relationships, neither of which found great favour from the critics."

Dimensions:
Height: 16.25 in (41.28 cm)Width: 16.25 in (41.28 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Aluminum,Mirror
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1970's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In good vintage condition with age appropriate wear.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7240236181992