Op art or optical art is the use of patterns to create an optical illusion. Some artists created an illusion of a third dimension or movement through the use of optical tricks or the play of lights. These dazzling and disturbing images could give you a headache if you stared at them too long. The op art patterns were first seen in the paintings of Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely. As the art grew in popularity (and notoriety) it started to be seen on many graphic and fabric designs.

Bridget Riley's style was highly recognizable and idiosyncratic. She painted stark black and white curving and twisting linear shapes. Her work first gained recognition in 1964/65.

In France Victor Vasarely created similar works in colour.

The fashion industry picked up on the black and white aspects of op art and incorporated them into mod styles.

Last updated: June 01, 2003

Sixties Central, Copyright 1998-2003 by Mandy Hoeymakers.
Information may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes if attribution is given.