What Is the History of Optical Art?

Art|Art History

Optical art, also known as Op Art, is a visual art movement that began in the 1960s. It is characterized by the use of optical illusions, patterns and abstract designs to create images that appear to move or vibrate. The movement was led by artists such as Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely and Josef Albers.

Optical art works often feature bold colors and shapes, which can be arranged in various ways to create a sense of movement or vibration when viewed. The primary goal of optical art is to create an illusion of motion through the use of geometric shapes, colors and lines. This type of art often uses a variety of techniques such as color contrasts, light/shadow effects, patterns and repetition to achieve this effect.

The history of optical art can be traced back to the early 1900s when artists such as Piet Mondrian used geometric shapes in his work to create an illusion of depth and movement. In the 1950s, artists such as Victor Vasarely experimented with abstract forms using bright colors to create optical illusions. This led to the development of Op Art in the 1960s when Bridget Riley began experimenting with eye-catching patterns and shapes that seemed to move when viewed from different angles.

Since then, optical art has evolved into many different forms including kinetic art which uses technology such as motors and gears to produce moving images; holography which uses laser technology; installation art which combines sculpture with video; computer graphic design; and virtual reality artwork which creates 3D visuals from a computer program.

Optical art has been used for a variety of purposes over the years including advertising campaigns, public sculptures and gallery installations. Today it continues to be used for its ability to draw attention and evoke emotion through its vibrant colors and designs.

Conclusion:
The history of optical art dates back to the early 1900s when artists like Piet Mondrian experimented with geometry in their work. In the 1950s, Victor Vasarely started experimenting with abstract forms using bright colors before Bridget Riley’s seminal work in Op Art in 1960s kickstarted a visual arts revolution that continues today with kinetic art installations, virtual reality artwork and more – all harnessing optical illusions for their impactful visuals.